Present Day
Tony was lounging in his, well, lounge. A few of his associates were over; Bruce, Steve, and Clint. "It would be fun," he thought, "if goodey-two-shoes Steve didn't get his panties in a twist about everything."
"Mr. Stark, a visitor," His robotic system announced. Clint and Bruce looked up from a game of chess.
"Are you expecting anyone?" Steve asked, walking in from the weight room.
Tony glared at him. "Do you mind? Your stink is burning my nostrils."
"Not at all." Steve replied, sitting down on the coach.
"No, I'm not," Tony answered his question. "Not accepting visitors today." He addressed the system.
"System override access key activated, sir." Announced the voice. Steve jumped up, braced for a fight. Clint tensed too, hovering over his chair.
Tony rolled his eyes. "Relax, guys." He told them, and stood up too. He spread his arms wide and waited.
Steve stared at him. "What are you doing?" He asked incredulously.
"You'll see." He said simply. "In three..two..one.."
The door burst open, and a figured rushed through, wrapping her arms around Tony. "Daddy!" She exclaimed happily.
"Daddy?" Echoed Bruce, Clint, and Steve.
The girl pulled away, hair bright as flames, and realized for the first time the others in the room. "Oh..hello.." She said, embarrassed. Bruce was the first to react, walking forward and offering his hand.
"Doctor Bruce Wanner," he introduced himself.
"Alice," she answered, shaking his hand. "I'm Tony's..well, uh. Almost daughter.
"I'm highly confused," Steve said, frowning. Alice looked him up and down, taking him in the same way her father would do to many women.
"Alice is sort-of an adoptive part of the family," Tony explained. "We kinda took her in after she almost blew up my factory."
"Hey!" Alice said, giggling. "That was an accident!"
"Sure," Tony said, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, Alice, this is Clinton Barton and Stevie." Steve puffed at this, annoyed. He was about to speak when Alice interrupted.
"Steve Rogers?" She smiled. "I've heard a lot about you."
Her smile looked genuine, but Steve was still suspicious, knowing who must have told her about him. "Oh, have you?" He asked, looking pointedly at Tony.
"Yeah, but don't worry about that." Tony smirked. "You have a dinner to get ready for, remember?"
Steve grimaced. He hated formal parties, but S.H.I.E.L.D. was hosting it, so he was required to go.
"Oh, good," Alice smiled at him. "I won't be alone, standing on the edge of the dance floor."
Bruce laughed, "You definitely won't have to worry about that."
"Let's get a move on, kids!" Tony said, herding them out of the door. "Tee-minus-three hours till show time"
