Short chapter today. Something from Tony Stark's point of view this time.


Tony's POV

"...My greatest creation is, and always will be, you."

The final film reel ended, becoming a flurry of black and white static. Tony turned to look at his niece. "Okay, don't you dare start laughing-"

She wasn't laughing. In fact, she wasn't making a sound at all. She was fast asleep.

Tony blinked in the darkened room. Well, hopefully she hadn't seen that bit where he, aged five, had made a cameo appearance and stole a piece off Howard's 'City of Tomorrow' diorama. Otherwise he'd never live it down.

Tony's phone rang suddenly, and he answered it before it could wake Iz up. "Hello?" He barked.

"Mr. Stark. It's Natalie."

"Natalie? Or Natasha?" He said skeptically. That morning, in an empty doughnut shop, Tony had encountered Director Nick Fury of SHIELD-and Natasha Romanoff, who just so happened to be the real secret identity of his stern and independent new notary. One thing he'd forgotten to tell Isabella. "What do you want?"

"Miss Potts would like you to come over to the office and collect some personal effects," she stated coolly. "I got Coulson to clear you for this afternoon. Did they find your niece yet?"

Tony glanced at the sleeping figure next to him. "Yeah. It was...it worked out."

"Good. We'll see you."

"Sure. Whatever." Natalie hung up, and Tony pocketed his phone. Well, telling Iz everything wasn't so bad...maybe it was time he explained to Pepper. And apologized too. As long as she'd listen, of course. On the couch, Isabella stirred slightly and mumbled something about ginger ale. She couldn't stay here.

Grumbling, Tony scooped up her small, thin frame and carried her up the stairs. He reached her room and, skirting the rubble on the floor, laid her on the bed clumsily. He'd have to get this room fixed. Actually, he'd have to get the whole house fixed. Dammit, first of all, he'd have to get his life fixed. But maybe having this vulnerable, sleeping girl around was no longer going to be a problem. Maybe.

Tony took the stairs back down two at a time to find Triplett and Coulson looking at him-apparently they'd been watching the whole time.

"What?" He snapped. "I'm going out, boys. Make sure the kid doesn't fly off again."