A/N: Thank you for those who are following. I own nothing but my OCs and plot. Enjoy.
Chapter 8: 24/7
It was odd, Tony reflected after Anya left, he had hoped for a relationship – mind you he wanted one very brief and completely romantic relationship- to come from his date. A relationship – 100% different from what he wanted – was exactly what had come from it. Life never works out how you plan. The metal in his chest was a complete reminder of that. This was an another example.
"Jarvis," he called after he saw the elevator door close, "start searching for Anya's father."
"Sir, didn't she say she wasn't sure she wanted to know?"
"She might of but I want to know. Also don't talk back Jarvis."
"yes sir."
He had a sister…. a younger sister. When he was younger he hoped for a sibling. Then as he got older he still wondered if he might have one; his father wasn't the most faithful man and Tony, despite his mother's efforts, knew that. So he wouldn't have been surprised if another mini-Howard showed up, but that fact that there was a mini-Maria. That was something. Bewilderment filled Tony. He wasn't sure how to take the news. He really had a sister. He had a family. It would be odd having someone to think about besides himself. Odd to have someone permanently linked to him. He wasn't sure he liked the responsibility, but he did like the connection.
The next morning, after exercising in the gym, Tony went to his kitchen/dining room floor. Grabbing a cup of black coffee that was waiting for him, thanks to Jarvis, he was about to go back to his floor for a shower when he was stopped by a rather serious looking Pepper and Natalia getting of the elevator. Taking a long gulp of the wonderful black liquid he wished this conversation would be postponed to well never. However, he knew it was inevitable so he simply topped off his cup and sat down at the island in the kitchen.
"Tony"
"Pepper"
He was started to offer her coffee when she briskly asked, "Is she still here?"
Acting coy he asked, "Whom are you referring to. Obviously Natalia is still here. She is right behind you."
"Tony"
" You know you could simply ask Jarvis." And not bother me in the morning, was what he thought to himself. It was actually odd him even being up before noon.
"Fine. Jarvis is Ms. Marvel still in the building?"
"No ma'am, she left last night around 11pm."
"Thank you Jarvis" and with that she let out a sigh. "Tony-" by the way she said his name he knew he was in for another lecture, "-I need you to understand the damage you caused." Yep it was definitely a lecture. "You put that girl and me in a rather delicate situation. If we make a donation to that organization it will seem like we simply bought you a date. If we do not, however, it will reflect poorly on us and that girl."
"Pepper," he said cutting her off before she could continue, "you were going to fund the organization before I did what I did, right?"
"Yes, but- "
"No buts. If you were going to fund them then fund them. The organization has a solid history, good reputation and great future designs. They are a worthy organization. So fund them."
"Tony-"
"- no I get it Pepper, I do."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Okay, just leave business associates out of your romantic life in the future."
"I shall try." Rolling her eyes at him they started walking back to the elevator.
"Oh and Natalia"
"yes sir"
"Inform security that if Ms. Marvel ever stops by she is allowed entrance to the building at any time. Jarvis already knows to inform me if she is here. If I am not you are to let her wait up here for my return."
Natalia nodded while Pepper stared in both confusion and astonishment.
"Tony – what is your relationship with her?"
"Pepper I just met her. Do I have to have a status right now?" With that he walked to the stairwell and walked up five flights to his rooms. It would, he figured, be a whole lot easier to tell Pepper she was his sister, but he had promised not to tell yet. Besides it was fun messing with Pepper.
*** Outside the Tower**
Stepping outside the tower, under the ruse of a personal errand, Natasha pulled out an ear piece from her pocket and put it on.
"Command, this is Black Widow, come in."
"Agent Romanoff report."
"Sir, Tony Stark seems to know part if not all of the background of Anya Marvel."
" Evidence?"
"He gave her 24/7 access to the Tower."
"Find out how much he knows and report back. We have a tail on Marvel. A meeting will be required soon."
"Let me know when."
"No it will not be you. You are to keep your cover until told otherwise."
"Fine. Who is her tail?"
"Who do you think? Focus on the task at hand Romanoff."
"Yes sir, over and out."
Natasha put away the ear piece. She had enough time to return to her apartment and grab a bug (listening/recording device) before going back to the office. Hopefully the sooner she got the information the faster she would be able to leave. Sure under cover ops were her specialty, but she preferred those with more action than this. No bombs going off. No gun fire. Also no partner. It was boring and aggravating.
A/N: So I know this is a shorter chapter. The next chapter is called Roundhouse Kick and may be one of my favorites so far, but that may be because I like writing Steve. Also Clint shows up. By the way chapter 12, which I am currently writing, is when Avengers come in and we go full circle. I half way say that to bribe you because recall more reviews = faster posting = Loki and Avengers come in sooner.
