June 6th 2007
Felicity Smoak- 18
Warning, sappiness ahead XD
"Tony! Hurry up we're going to be late!" Pepper called, waiting for the billionaire to get downstairs.
"I'm coming, calm down Pep, it'll be fine," Tony said, taking the stairs two at a time.
"You drive me crazy Anthony," she huffed. He just shot her a cheeky grin and waltzed out the door.
When they walked into the auditorium all they, saw were kids in robes, it was particularly hard to find the petite blonde amongst them, but eventually, they did. She was beaming, thankful the day was finally there and she could move on to bigger, better, things. She had the option of skipping many classes throughout the years, but she refused. She wanted to graduate with her class and get as much learning done as possible. Tony couldn't help the proud smile that spread across his face upon seeing his baby girl.
"Felicity Megan Smoak, you look so beautiful," he said, pulling her in for one of his rare emotional moments.
"Thank you, daddy," she said, smiling into him. All she ever wanted was to make him proud, and she had.
"Oh, hun, you look amazing, I'm so proud of you," Pepper took her in for the next hug, getting teary eyed. Felicity was like a daughter to her and these milestones made her rather emotional.
"Thanks, Pep," Felicity smiled. Then, over the ginger's shoulder, she saw someone.
"Uncle Rhodey!" she shouted, running into his arms where he lifted her like she was a child again.
"He-hey kiddo!" Rhodey grinned, "Look at you!"
"I thought you couldn't come! You were in Afghanistan!" she exclaimed.
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss my favorite Stark's graduation. Speaking of, I think you guys are going back now," he gestured to the sea of nervous graduates making their way backstage.
"Well, that's my cue, I'll see ya soon," she kissed her father on the cheek before rushing off.
"Here she goes," Pepper grinned as Felicity walked up to the podium, ready to give her valedictorian speech.
"Good evening everyone," she greeted, a smile plastered to her face "my name is Felicity Smoak as you know and I hate public speaking, so let's see how this goes." the crowd chuckled, "We're finally here. After four years of late nights studying, stacks of homework, volunteer hours, essays, and exams, we've made it. We are now all about to embark on a new journey, whether it be college or travel or missionary work or our parents couch, we have something ahead of us. Now I have racked my brain for weeks on end trying to figure out what I could possibly say that would resonate with all of the different personalities and faces, and it was hard, but I think I've got it.
"I would like to start by being a bit personal if you don't mind. When I was Thirteen, I moved from Los Vegas to Malibu to move in with a man I hadn't seen since I was four. You wouldn't believe the fear and hatred and sorrow I felt all at once. Unlike college and adulthood, this was not an adventure I wanted to go on. My expectations were low to say the least.
"Now, though, I am so thankful for everything that happened, even if it didn't happen the way I would have wanted it. I would not be where I am without my dad and the rest of the family I created here in Malibu. I have learned and grown so much. So, yes, the future is as much scary as exciting. Yes, it's unknown and probably holds many obstacles, but I trust that it will all be for the better. That as we go into our new life, we must be ready for change, good or bad. We must make the best of it. And we must keep our family close because without them, we wouldn't be who we are today. I am so excited to be graduating with you all. Thank you," she smiled before scurrying to sit down. What she didn't notice was the tears welling up in Tony Stark's eyes from over in the bleachers.
A/N So so sorry for the wait! I have had a lot going on lately, from school, to family, to church, to my mental health. It's been stressful and rough so please be patient with these slow updates :)