6/04/08
Please be on time today. Tony was silently hoping that he could get the full amount of time. Because Hailey was six now, he had to convince her that he was her doctor, or at least convince her to not tell her parents. Her appointments were only two hours long, and, as of late, most of the time is spent making adjustments to the inner workings.
The doorbell rang out, announcing their arrival. Pepper made it before Tony did, for he was checking his blood toxin levels. He brought his thumb to his mouth and licked it clean of the small bubble threatening to enlarge on the skin's frail surface. He stuffed the level monitor into his back pocket, and proceeded outside where Hailey was patiently waiting for her 'doctor' to show. While he desperately wanted to hug her, both of them stood professionally and shook hands. Pepper took the hand of the six-year old and brought her inside while Tony sent off the foster parents.
"I missed you, Hailey." He told her.
She giggled excitedly. "I missed you too Dad. Can I tell you something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"I watched a movie. It was cool. You know The Jungle Book is fake? Animals can't talk."
Tony laughed. "I always thought they could. That's strange, animals not talking."
Pepper butted in. "Why don't you do this to me?" She complained.
"'cause he loves me more, right dad?" She looked pleadingly at her father, smirking as she did.
Pepper gave him a look, like don't-you-dare-say-it-to-me. Tony willingly obliged.
"Of course. But Pepper is your mother, and you need to be fair to her too, OK?"
"OK. I was only teasing you Mom. Sorry."
Pepper gave a little chuckle, barely audible. "Of course I knew. But Tony didn't, apparently."
Tony laughed heartily at the comment. "Come-on Hailey. Your reactor undoubtedly needs modifications."
They all sighed, knowing that it was unavoidable.
Hailey perked up quick, and responded gloomily and with a deep dreaded sarcasm not common in six year olds. "Let's get on with it then."
Tony nodded, slowly at first, then more vividly as he came back from 'outer space'. He followed her down the stairs, stopping only to order J.A.R.V.I.S. to turn on the lights. He smiled deeply when she gasped at the sudden lighting. Then she saw his smirk.
"You did it didn't you." It wasn't a question, it was a statement, but he answered anyway.
"Yep."
She laughed slightly, quiet for someone of her age. Tony creased his brows in worry.
"So, I have this cool new home jacket. I doesn't have a hood, but it keeps my glow hidden." She informed in.
"That's good. Has the bullying stopped?" He looked around for his coffee mug that he had had on his counter.
She shook her head. "Not yet, but I think they're scared of me. I broke a kids nose the other day, that's why."
He looked at her with concern. "You broke someone's nose? Why?"
She shrugged. "He was picking on my brother, Sam."
Tony thought to her foster parents 5 year old boy. "That's a good reason. Did they hit you back?"
"Uh-huh. Their hit landed on the reactor and they broke their hand. I feel bad." She looked at her feet.
He touched her chin, bringing her gaze to eye level with him. "Oh, no no no, Hailey. It's not your fault someone was stupid enough to hit you. People hit me all the time and get hurt, if it helps to know that."
She looked to him with as much admiration as the 6 year old could muster. "What is your job?" she asked sarcastically.
"Nothing all too important." He replied cheerily.
To Hailey's surprised, her father then poked her finger with a needle, and held a little garage door opener to her bleeding appendage. He checked it, and then did it to himself, and sighed with relief.
"Uh, Dad? What was that?" She asked him, confused.
"Nothing all too important." He replied, burying his head behind some prototype weapon pieces.
"That's seems to be your choice answer as of late." She said smartly, full of pride.
The billionaire check his expensive watch, and frowned at the time. "Now you go get ready to go-" he hesitated. "Home."
It was her turn to frown.
"Fine."
6/18/08
No new developments
Brought best friend; named Shannon
6/31/08
Toxicity level raised slightly; 2%
Visits increased to every 2 weeks
8/12/08
Toxicity level at 15%
8/19/09
Grade 2 celebration
Watched parade; got a LOT of candy
Discovered love of pistachios
2/28/10
Turned 8
Missed birthday
Toxicity level 20%; incredibly slowed
9/16/11
Went to Disneyland; brought me back Mickey Mouse ears.
Readjusted reactor frame.
1/02/12
First new years together
Near tenth birthday
Had lots of homework
(A/N Sorry I haven't updated in awhile guys, I was busy with a few of my other books. Don't worry, the slow parts are soon to be over, and it will snowball, trust me. Anyway, have a happy holiday, and a great New Year's!
