Title: Anchor
Series: Anywhere That You Tell Me
Author: Vashti
Fandom: Iron Man 3
Characters: Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, OC
Rating: PG
Summary: She had to trot to keep up with Tony's determined stride but Tony noticed that she didn't pull away even after they were inside.
Length: ~397 words
Spoiler: Iron Man 3
Disclaimer: Only the words are mine, and that's probably up for philosophical debate.
Dedication: _ because you asked :)
Author's Note: This is a series of sometimes connected, sometimes unconnected, short stories based on my trilogy, "Where You Lead". The stories center around Pepper's daughter, Sophie, in some way although Sof isn't always the main character. Unfortunately, each story is a one-shot that is not tied to a larger or longer work, with few exceptions. This crosses between IM2, IM3 and Avengers. I don't think I'll be pulling in Agents of SHIELD or either Thor movies, although elements of Captain America may crop up.
"Who's this, Tony?"
"You and Pepper break up, Tony?"
"Is this your new girlfriend?"
"Miss! Miss! How old are you, Miss?"
"Won't Ms. Potts be offended when she finds out you brought your latest conquest to visit her in the hospital."
Tony turned towards the reporter—why was it always Vanity Fair?—and with both eyebrows climbing high over his sunglasses, said, "Well considering she's my daughter, I doubt it. Come on, kid, your mom's waiting."
Reaching back, Tony caught Sophie's wrist as it swung close and pulled her close. She quickly shook out of the hold, grabbing at his hand instead. She had to trot to keep up with Tony's determined stride as he muscled them through the stunned reporters thronging outside the hospital taking care of Pepper. Even the hospital security was surprised, and overwhelmed, by the media turnout.
A fresh wave of questions crashed over them as the hospital doors slid open.
"Mom's gonna be so mad." Sophie's voice was thick with snot and unshed tears, but Tony noticed that she didn't pull away even after they were inside and well away from the prying eyes, ears and smartphones of the reporters outside.
Inside the elevator, Tony dropped her hand and turned to her in favor of briskly rubbing her biceps. He couldn't see the tears behind her sunglasses, but her nose was bright red and her cheeks were splotchy. Her muscles trembled under his hands. "Your mom's gonna be okay. I designed the tech they're using on Pepper myself."
Sophie whispered, "Okay." Her lip quirked on side with a hint of her usual mischief. "Dad."
Tony smirked for them both. "Yeah, I thought that was good, too. I mean, it worked, right? Got'em to give us some breathing room."
Smiling and shaking her head slowly, Sophie said again, "Mom is gonna be so..." Covering her mouth, she sobbed. "I'm sorry. I know she's okay..." She tried swiping at her eyes, but she'd forgotten the sunglasses on her face and only managed to half-knock them off.
Tony gently pulled them off, pocketing them.
"I'm sorry. I just... Delayed reaction, I guess?" She sobbed again.
Twisting on his feet, Tony hit the emergency stop. Her hands covering her face, Sophie hardly seemed to notice—not until he'd wordlessly folded her into his arms and she collapsed against his chest. He hit the button again when she was ready.
Fin[ite]
AN2: This scene, Sophie trotting behind Tony as they pass through a gauntlet of reporters, has been running through my mind since before I finished the 2nd "Where You Lead" story, although it wasn't always this schmoopy.