A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I've had some ideas for this story but struggled to start to put it together.
For everyone who may be unfamiliar with my previous story, you should read 'From the Shadows' first because this story is a continuation of that fic. My AU includes an original character who was well-developed in the original story.
Trigger warnings: Although not in this chapter, my story will contain self-harm and may reference past abuse/trauma. I will try to add a warning at the top of any chapter with those topics.
Chapter 1
"Mom, where's my hoodie?"
"In your closet," came the cheerful voice from downstairs.
"No, the other one, the purple one!"
"Check again. If it's not there then it's not clean."
"Arghhh!" I growled in frustration that my favorite hoodie wasn't clean for my trip with Tony.
Clint stood in the doorway of my bedroom, arms folded across his chest, giving me the 'You're in trouble' look. Blood drained from my face once I noticed Clint's posture. "Um hey, what's up?"
My dad's stoic expression made me squirm. "I'm sorry." My apology barely a whisper from my downcast face.
"Have a seat," Clint said motioning toward my bed.
My muscles tensed in alarm at his words, hesitating to comply. Why is he doing this? "I said I was sorry, we don't need to talk about it."
Clint waited a few moments for me to start moving on my own before taking a step in my direction to physically guide me to the bed. Clint pulled up my desk chair to sit right in front of me. "So, kiddo, what's been going on? This isn't the first time this week that you've snapped at Laura or me but especially Laura." My only defense was to shrug my shoulders, I really didn't know. "You have to do better than that. Have you been upset about something?"
"No, I'm fine. Can we just go please?"
"We can, but if we do, this conversation will happen with all of us instead of just you and me."
Tears stung my eyes. This confrontation and the thought of having to do a talk circle was more than I could tolerate. A gentle hand touched my knee bringing me back from my panic, "Talk to me."
"I really don't know what to say," I whined.
"How are you feeling about living here?"
"It's fine. I like having you and Laura as my parents and I like pretending to be a normal kid."
"Jamie, you are normal. You just have a few extra things that make you unique."
I rolled my eyes. "That's just another way of saying I'm not normal, nice try Dad." Clint decided not to pursue this line of questioning any longer, opting to continue with the original course. "How do you feel about Tony and Pepper getting married in the spring and the trip to Europe with them?" I knew he was going to bring this up, I hate this. I needed to give him enough so that he wouldn't continue this talk circle at the compound with Tony there and probably Pepper too.
"You already know I'm anxious about Tony getting married and you already know that Tony and I have talked so we don't need to do that again."
"Pepper and Tony love you."
"I know. I just don't want things to change again. It feels like I'm losing him." Clint's heart broke a little as I shared my fear. "I had to get used to my dad being gone and living in a new town then Mom and Lizzy left and living at the compound, then being here. Now, Tony won't even be at the compound anymore."
"You will still see him for homeschool and you can stay with him and Pepper whenever you want. Ok? Things will be different but Tony won't love you any less and he definitely still wants to see you." Clint tipped my chin up to make eye contact, waiting for my response. I was only able to give a simple nod or risk crying. Clint opened up his arms for me which I gladly accepted, moving to sit on his lap, snuggling into his embrace. "No more disrespectful attitude, got it? If something is bothering you, I want you to talk to one of us instead of taking it out on us."
"I'm sorry Dad. I didn't think about it that way. I don't mean to be disrespectful."
"I know, baby girl. Do you have everything packed?"
"Yeah, Tony said to pack light because he was going to have a bag of clothing and toiletries already packed for me." Thinking about leaving soon I felt sadness creep in again like every time I think about being so far away. "Dad?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm a little scared to be away from home."
"Tony will keep you safe and we will still be able to talk on the phone or video chat every day." Clint punctuated his response with a tight hug and a kiss on my temple. "I'll miss you too."
Over the next half hour, I finished packing my backpack with entertainment items for the plane ride and said my goodbyes. Laura gave me three goodbye hugs, crying the entire time. I smiled feeling loved. Once the car was loaded up, Clint drove me to the airport where we planned to meet up with Tony at his private plane. My eyes were fixed on the farmhouse and my new mom and sister, who were waving from the wraparound porch as we made our way down the long dirt driveway, only turning back around in my seat to look out the front when the house was no longer visible through the trees. Clint's watchful eyes did not go unnoticed by me so I turned on the radio in an attempt to avoid any further talking about my feelings.
It's a long drive, almost a full hour, but we arrived safely, pulling around the side of the small airport to the gate that opened to the tarmac. Tony and Pepper were waiting at the bottom of the steps of his plane talking with Happy and another man whom I didn't recognize. Clint noticed the alarm written on my face, "He's the pilot. Tony has known him for a long time; he's a very nice man." I nodded acknowledging his comment with an implied thank you for easing my worries.
As soon as we pulled next to the plane, Happy was at the passenger side door, which he opened and warmly greeted me. "Excited kiddo? I know Tony is, he hasn't stopped talking about this trip all week."
I nodded, offering Happy a shy smile, still feeling uncomfortable around him. Not because he seemed inherently bad or anything, I just didn't know him well. My parents were careful not to have too many people around me while Cross was still alive.
"Alright, thanks Happy, you can get the bags now," Tony quipped with a smile ignoring Happy's scoff then opened his arms to me for a welcoming hug. "Hi baby girl. I've missed you." Tony planted a kiss on my forehead.
"I missed you, too, Daddy." Tony held on for a few more moments before releasing me into Pepper's waiting arms.
"Hi sweetie. I'm so excited to get to spend the whole week with you." I broke off the hug after a few seconds, still warming up to my new mom but offered a smile.
"Barney, I would like you to meet my daughter," Tony introduced me, putting one arm around my shoulders and steering me toward the pilot, an older gentleman with gray hair who stands just an inch or so shorter than Tony. Clint was right, he has kind eyes and a warm smile, I immediately felt at ease with him.
"You must be some special gal, Mr. Stark has been talking about you nonstop. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Barney reached out for a handshake. I obliged, agreeing that it's nice to meet him as well.
Tony clapped his hands once then said, "Everyone ready to go?"
"Yeah, one sec." I ran back to Clint wrapping my arms around his waist in a tight hug. Clint held me until I pulled away then moved his hands to my cheeks.
"I'll miss you, baby girl. Have fun and take lots of pictures."
I nodded while Clint kissed my forehead.
Barney and Happy boarded the plane while I said goodbye to Clint then Tony ushered me onto the plane followed by Pepper. Clint and Tony exchanged a few words before joining us in the fuselage. The seats were super comfy, covered in a soft black leather. Each seat completely reclined and there were tables between the seats. Along the back of the plane is a row of seats lined up like a bench. I took a seat across from Pepper with an empty seat next to me hoping Tony would join me instead of Pepper. He did not disappoint. Tony gave Pepper a quick kiss then sat across from her but next to me.
"Excited?" Although Tony's question sounded like it's just a surface level conversation opener, I knew he was really trying to bring up my talk with Clint.
"Yup."
"That's it, just 'yup?' Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, everything's great. I mean you're taking me to Europe, what's not to be excited about."
"Uh huh, spit it out kid. What's on your mind?"
"I'm sure Dad already told you after I got on the plane, why bring it up again?"
"You're right. Clint told me that you're anxious about being away from home and that you're afraid you're going to lose me when Pepper and I get married, sound about right?"
My eyes flitted toward Pepper feeling embarrassed then turned away. I knew she liked me and all but still. I offered a slight nod unwilling to talk about this again. Tony wrapped his arm around me bringing me into a snuggle, "Honey, you know how much I love you right?" I nodded. "I love you and Pepper loves you." My gaze turned again to Pepper who smiled warmly. "We are your parents now, we chose to adopt YOU, we wanted YOU." Tony poked my shoulder on the last word, highlighting how much they both wanted me. My lips quirked up into a smile when I looked up at Tony, who leaned down to place a kiss on my temple. We sat in companionable silence until I drifted off to sleep.
A/N: I absolutely love feedback. I am open to general comments on the story, helpful grammar/writing tips (since I'm still new to creative writing), or suggestions for plot/character development. I imagine for many who have written and shared their work, the reader's comments are not only affirmation, but also help to stoke the flames of passion for continuing the story.