disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
prompt: "was that his/her first word?"
word count: 469
you are the future
Entering Tony's workshop, Pepper couldn't help but notice that the only time it wasn't in a state of chaos complete with ear deafening music, was the times he had Darcy. Which admittedly happening more often as her mother's trust in Tony—or her, Pepper wasn't sure to be honest—steadily began to grow.
"Mr. Stark," she began as she entered, heels clicking in the almost silent workshop. "I have paperwork that needs your signature."
Heaving a sigh, he spun to face her, brown eyes lit wickedly and waggled his eyebrows. "As you can see, I'm very busy," he dramatically threw an arm towards the computer. "You can set it down somewhere and I'll get around to it, Miss. Potts."
Pepper kept herself from rolling her eyes. Just barely. "Mr. Stark," she said, voice stern. And held out the folder towards him. "These are important to the company. So no, I will not just put them down in this mess, only for you to lose them."
Tony chuckled faintly and she resisted a smile. Pepper knew one of his favorite things about their friendship was when she, in his words, acted feisty and called him on his shit. Neither could she deny it being one of her own too.
"Pepper, you know I don't like people handing me things," he said and dropped their game of formalities.
"Tony," stressed Pepper, "I think what you meant, was that you don't like other people handing you thi—"
She was interrupted by a sweet little voice; one she'd never heard say an actual word before.
"Dum-eeee."
"Was that… her first word?"
"Yes," Tony said, voice filled with fatherly pride. "I'm a little—oh who I'm kidding?—I'm a lot offended that it wasn't dada, buuuut at least she knows who her older brother is."
Sure enough Dummy was going circles around the little girl who sat there (all dark curls, wide blue eyes, and pink cheeked) giggling and clapping and calling out his name in her own way. And Dummy must have been loving it, whirring every time she said it. He was a great robot babysitter.
"Dummy. That's little Darcy's first word."
"Yup," he said popping the 'p' and nodding.
"She's going to grow up to be a mini-you," breathed Pepper in awe. Whenever she looked at this beautiful little girl, who she'd come to love, she saw the best parts of her friend and boss.
Tony finally tore his eyes off his daughter and looked up at her almost shyly. His smile even had a bit of a boyish quality to it. "Only better," he hushed reverently.