Godfather Hawkeye
By: kpron2008
Clint Barton aka Hawkeye had a secret and that was that he had a goddaughter that was a witch. He had been contacted by the bank called Gringotts in England that wanted to inform him that his goddaughter wanted to meet him as soon as possible. To let him know what was going on because it was very important and she wanted his opinion on some things.
Clint went to Phil Coulson to tell him that he had to go to England to talk to Phoenix because she needed to talk to him immediately and it was important. As he made his way to Phil's office; Natasha bumped into him.
"Hey, Clint." Natasha said.
"Hey, Nat." Clint said.
"So, where are you going, Clint?" Natasha asked.
"Going to see Phil and before you ask it involves Little Phoenix." Clint said.
Natasha gasped because she was aware that Little Phoenix was Clint's nickname for his goddaughter. Then she said, "Go talk with him immediately and I hope everything is okay with Little Phoenix."
"I am and I am wondering what Little Phoenix needs." Clint said.
"Something may have happened that she needs you or needs your advice on something?" Natasha said.
Clint just nodded and waved bye then made his way to Phil's office once again.
Agent Phil's Office...
Phil was sitting at his desk working when there was a knock on his door; he wondered if it was Fury or Hill. He heard the knock again and said, "Come in."
The door opened and in walked Hawkeye; Phil was actually surprised to see him in his office.
"Phil, we need to talk because this involves Little Phoenix." Clint said.
Phil went wide eyed and said, "How?"
"The bank in which Lily and James banked at informed me that my goddaughter wishes to see me immediately over something important." Clint said.
"Is Little Phoenix in trouble? " Phil asked.
"I don't know, Phil. I always believed that Lily and James would contact me if something was up. I can only assume that Little Phoenix is fourteen years old now. And this is the first time that I heard from Lily's and James's special bank in Britain." Clint said.
"Well, this is considered important and you need the time off; so go and find out what Little Phoenix wants to tell you. I'll inform Laura for you of the situation." Phil said.
"Thanks, Phil." Clint said.
"You're welcome, Clint. If Little Phoenix let's you; give me and Nat an update. Unless, she just trusts you alone at the moment." Phil said.
"I'll try but I may not be able to and that's if she's allowed to even let me know." Clint said.
"That's understandable, Clint. However, what if your goddaughter asks to meet myself and Nat? " Phil questioned curiously.
"Then I'll get in touch until then I have to talk with her and find out what happened that I hadn't heard from her parents; plus there's a possibility that she attends the same boarding school that Lily and James did, so this would be her fourth year there." Clint said.
Phil blinked at that.
"I'll see you and Nat when I return from England." Clint said.
Phil nodded as he watched Clint walk out of his office then Natasha walked in.
"So, if Little Phoenix is fourteen; Clint has probably missed a lot of birthdays." Natasha said.
"Yes and that's why I decided to give him a month off for a while and I'll be informing Laura aka Agent 19 of the situation." Phil said looking at Natasha.
Several hours later...
Clint arrived in England and went straight to Gringotts Bank to where he was to meet his goddaughter for the first time. A goblin showed him to a room then left.
"Uncle Hawk? " A female voice said.
Clint turned towards the voice and saw a young lady with black hair with a bit of red tint to it along with emerald green eyes. She looked to be fourteen years old and was really skinny from what he could tell because the clothes that she was wearing didn't do her justice. Then he said, "Little Phoenix? "
The young woman nodded.
Clint was stunned to see that she had grown up from the pictures that he had of her. He gave her a hug which she gladly returned. Then he said, "Little Phoenix, you've grown up on me. Where's your parents? "
Harriet looked at him and said, "They were killed when I was a year old and I have been forced to live with Aunt Petunia and her family. Uncle Sirius was falsely accused of betraying my parents and Dumbledore claims to be my magical guardian."
Clint fell backwards into a chair in shock at what his goddaughter was telling him. He couldn't believe this.
"Uncle Clint, there's more. I have a soulmate and his name is Anthony Edward Stark or Tony for short. However, I have been emancipated by Lady Magic herself because I was forced to compete in the Tri Wizard Tournament. This is one of the reasons I wanted you here because I don't think the Ministry of Magic will accept that; plus, Dumbledore isn't exactly training me on how to fight Voldemort." Harriet said.
Clint looked at his goddaughter and said, "Since you are emancipated by Lady Magic; you're able to change anything if I recall Lily and James telling about how emancipation works in the Magical World."
Harriet smiled and said, "Really?"
Both Clint and the goblin nodded.
"Then my legal guardians in both the magical world and Muggle world are my Godfathers, Agent Clint Barton from America and Lord Sirius Orion Black; both of them did the godparent ritual and are the guardians should the magical world of Britain not accept my emancipation. The enemies of my blood lines shall be marked by the family crests and be judged by Lady Magic herself however she sees fit! So Smote It Be!!" Harriet said with a hint of anger, "I also will protect my soulmate by sharing his pain! As well as those are true friends to me, my godfathers, and my soulmate!"
Clint and the goblin went wide eyed at the last part that she had said as magic swirled around him and he had no doubt that the same thing was happening to Sirius.
At Grimmauld Place...
Sirius was excited that Harriet was coming later this evening; when suddenly magic surrounded him then after a few minutes the magic settled and said, "That was weird? "
"What's weird, Sirius?" Ron asked.
"Magic just surrounded me then settled. I'm not sure what that means but it could be good or ba... " Sirius trailed off as he heard screams coming from the kitchen. Then he noticed Ron was holding his arm and took off towards the kitchen; so he followed him.
In the kitchen...
Ron ran in holding his arm, which shocked the others because Hermione, Molly, and Ginny were doing the same thing.
"What's going on?" Sirius asked.
"We don't know, one minute they were fine and then the next minute; they screamed in pain, Sirius." Fred said.
"Yeah, it was weird because Mom's arm started burning red as did Hermione's and Ginny's arm." George said.
"Well, it seems that Ron's arm is doing the same thing then." Sirius stated as he had Ron sit with the other three.
"What's going on, Black?!" Severus asked as he appeared from the fireplace.
"What do you mean, Snape?" Sirius asked curiously.
"I'm here because the Headmaster wanted to know if you used family magic because his arm his burning." Severus said.
"No, but maybe the Black Family Library may have something on it." Sirius said.
Back at Gringotts...
"What just happened exactly?" Clint questioned.
"It seems that Lady Magic has granted Lady Potter's request; which means that you, Mr. Barton are her guardian in the magical and muggle communities in America. As for Sirius Black, he is her guardian in the magical and muggle communities for Britain and if something happens to him then you'll be her guardian in both of American and British magical communities as well as the muggle communities. Considering the British Ministry of Magic will not let a werewolf be her guardian." The goblin said.
Clint wasn't exactly expecting that and asked, "What exactly does this mean exactly? "
"Uncle Clint, it means that only you and Siri can touch anything in the Potter Vaults as well as the other Vaults that I may have inherited on my father's side. However, my soulmate will be able to do the same because I will combine my bloodline with his when we marry. When I do combine the bloodlines; it will mean that the name Stark will become an Ancient and Noble house in the magical communities of both Britain and America." Harriet said.
Clint gaped in shock as did the goblin because the goblins had never heard of a heir or heiress combining their bloodlines even if they were the last heir or heiress.
Clint came back to his senses and said, "I guess I can't call you Little Phoenix anymore; I'll have to call you, Phoenix or Nix for short. So, how far along are you on your non-magical studies, Nix?"
"Not real good because I only came back to Aunt Petunia's during the Summer Holidays." Harriet stated.
"Then I'll have to get you caught up then. Phil and Nat can help but only if you want them to? " Clint said.
"I wouldn't the help." Harriet said.
"I'll let them know then." Clint said.
"Uncle Clint, they'll have to be sworn to secrecy because no one can know that I'm trained secretly by Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D except for Sirius and Remus." Harriet said.
"Sure thing, Nix. Is there anything else?" Clint said.
Harriet told Clint told as much as she could because she had to be back at the Dursleys real soon and she mentioned that to him.
Clint grinned and said handing her an ear piece, "Put this in your ear and I'll hear everything and record it. Also, say, 'Don't piss off a Hawk' or 'A Hawk has come to London' ; I think Grimm and Moony will get the jist of it."
"Will do, Uncle Hawk. I'll probably see you soon secretly." Harriet said.
Clint smiled and said, "See you soon, Nix. You'll also be able to record every thing visually which will help us out in order to help you out."
Harriet waved goodbye and left.
After she left, Clint turned to the goblin and asked, "Does Potter Manor still have protective wards? "
"They do, sir. " The goblin said.
"Do you mind to strengthen them to a point where even Dumbledore can't find it? The reason why I am asking, is because I am assuming that Nix has already taken off the blocks on her magic." Clint said.
The goblin grinned and said, "Right away, Mr. Barton. However, may I ask why? "
"Thanks. Well, Nix is going not only how to fight magically from her ancestors, Sirius, and Remus secretly over the holidays but she's going to be trained like an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. that will give her the advantage that she'll need going against this Voldemort guy." Clint stated.
The goblin was stunned but also grinned.
Clint returned the goblin's grin with a mischievous grin.
At the Dursleys...
Harriet had returned which Dudley was waiting with his friends.
"Freak, shouldn't you be home?" Dudley said.
"I had to stop by the Bank; apparently, something turned up." Harriet said.
"Like what, Freak? " Dudley questioned.
"Well, apparently I have another godfather and this one works in the government." Harriet simply said.
Dudley was shocked as were his friends.
Moments later, Dudley's friends left then she and Dudley headed back to Number Four Private Drive. When they were attacked by Demntors that Harriet had no choice but to cast the Patronus Charm to scare them off.
Then Mrs. Figg found them after they were attacked. She rambled while they were walking back to number four. When she left everything went into chaos.
Harriet was left at the house while the Dursleys went out and she was in her room; when she heard a noise down stairs, so she decided to investigate. She was surprised to see Remus and Professor Moody.
An hour later...
They arrived at Grimmauld Place and as soon as they entered the house. Sirius and Harriet hugged each other in the hallway.
"Hey, Siri." Harriet said.
"Harriet, it's good to see you." Sirius said.
"Harriet, you seem in a good mood? Remus said entering the hallway again.
Harriet smiled and said, " I am because a Hawk has come to London and it was interesting."
Both Sirius and Remus went wide eyed with shock at hearing that.
(Clint was watching from a secret camera that he had given Nix. He was laughing secretly at their reactions.)
"Are you sure there's a hawk in London, Harriet?" Sirius asked.
Harriet nodded as she silently casted a privacy barrier wandlessly.
"Why is there a hawk in London exactly, Harriet? " Remus asked.
"I may have sent for him when I was called to Gringotts to find out that I had been emancipated in the eyes of Lady Magic herself because of the Tri Wizard Tournament. Also, I believe something strange happened earlier today to you, Sirius." Harriet said.
"What do you mean, pup?" Sirius questioned.
"Let's say those that didn't give you a trial are now enemies of the Black Family. Also, their are some that are enemies of the Potter Family as well as the bloodline in which I will combine with my soulmate and his last name will become the newest Most Ancient and Noble House." Harriet said with a smile.
Remus looked at Harriet for a moment and said, "Cub, that would mean... "
"You don't mess with a Phoenix because they tend to burn those who hurt those that they care for as family and friends! " Harriet said with a hint of anger.
Both Sirius and Remus heard her tone and were quickly reminded of Lily Potter nee Evans.
"Sirius, I would also suggest that a private training room be made here and that way the Hawk will be able to come to visit secretly." Harriet said quietly to them.
Sirius agreed as did Remus. Then they headed to the kitchen.
Time Skip to Battle of Hogwarts*
Harriet was ready to do what she had to do. She was greatful to Hawkeye, Agent Coulson, and the Black Widow for their help in getting her ready for this moment. She was now facing Voldemort in Great Hall of Hogwarts fighting him.
The surviving Professors, Students, and Death Eaters were watching the duel between her and Voldemort. They watched as both Voldemort and Harriet were going at it in the duel.
"It seems that Ms. Potter has created a barrier in which none of us can penetrate since this is between the two of them." Flitwick said.
Minerva was watching the duel and was stunned by how Ms. Potter was doing in the duel.
"When did Ms. Potter learn to duel like that?" Professor Sprout said.
"Blimey, Harriet seems to combining hand to hand combat with magic!" A student said.
"How is she doing that?" Ginny questioned.
"It's almost as if she was trained by someone." Neville said.
"Who could have trained, Harriet?" Hermione questioned.
"Who cares who trained Harriet. She shocking the Dark Lord." George said.
Everyone turned back to the duel to see that what George Weasley was saying was true and Voldemort was defeated; however, they couldn't hear what Harriet was saying to Voldemort before he passed away from their duel. Then the barrier went down.
Harriet faced the Malfoys suddenly and walked towards them.
"What is she doing? " Molly questioned.
"Don't know, Mum?" Ginny said.
Harriet preformed a privacy barrier and decided to speak with the Malfoys.
Inside the barrier...
"Draco, I'm handing the Black Inheritance over to you because we both know that The Black Family won't allow a woman be a Head of House. I ask that you disown Bellatrix because she actually killed Lord Sirius Orion Black who did not betray my parents considering he went through the godparent ritual." Harriet said.
This caused Narcissa to gasp in shock.
"Why are giving the title of Lord Black, Potter?" Draco asked curiously.
"Because after today; I'm leaving for the states because my soulmate is there. Also, Ron, Molly, Ginny, and Hermione are considered enemies of the House of Black as well as the House of Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor, and Slytherin as well as the name of my soulmate when we marry." Harriet said.
"Lady Potter, if I may ask where did you learn to fight like that?" Lucius questioned.
"Let's just say that I met my other godfather that lives in America who works for a government agency and he taught me. Also, I thanked Voldemort for what he did for me." Harriet said.
"What did the Dark Lord do, Potter?" Draco asked curiously.
"Voldemort emancipated me when he had me entered into the Tri Wizard Tournament and in the eyes of Lady Magic she accepted it. So, in other words, Voldemort saved me from Dumbledore's manipulations. So, when I was called to Gringotts; you can imagine my surprise at what I found out." Harriet said.
Draco, Lucius, and Narcissa were shocked to hear this.
"May we know what you found out, Lady Potter? " Narcissa asked curiously after coming out of her shock.
Harriet explained as much as she could in such a short time and then asked Draco to reinstate Andromeda into the Black Family and take care of her godson, Teddy Lupin for her.
Draco agreed.
Meanwhile, outside the barrier; everyone saw a flash of light pass from Harriet to Draco and wondered what that meant.
"What happened?" Neville asked.
"It seems that Harriet is needed else where." Luna said.
"What do you mean, Luna?" Hannah asked.
"Harriet is needed in the states." Luna said.
Just then, the barrier came down. Harriet walked away from the Malfoys and stood before the Grey Lady and said, "Your mother's treause has been restored along with Slytherin's locket, Hufflepuff's cup and Gryffindor's sword has always been here."
Everyone was surprised by what Harriet said.
"Thank you, Lady Potter." The Grey Lady said.
"You're welcome, Lady Ravenclaw." Harriet said.
Everyone was shocked to learn that the Grey Lady was the daughter of the founder Ravenclaw.
"Ms. Potter?" Minerva said suddenly.
Harriet turned towards Professor McGonagall and said, "Yes, Headmistress?"
"Am I to understand that you will not be returning to Hogwarts to redo your seventh year?" Minerva said.
"I am afraid the answer is definitely a no because I am needed in the states since the prophecy that was supposedly to be real was in fact a fake and brought to reality. I'm sure Salazar and Godric would love to hear how Headmaster Dumbledore illegally pitted their heirs against one another considering that both heirs were from the most ancient and noble house of Peverell." Harriet said.
Everyone was stunned to hear that. Then Neville said, "Harriet, how do you know this? "
Harriet turned to Neville and said, "You would be surprised what was kept from me since I arrived in the magical world when I was eleven and trust me both of my godfathers were not exactly pleased by it."
Luna looked at Harriet and said, "Harriet, good luck meeting your soulmate in the states."
Harriet looked at Luna with a smile and said, "Thanks, Luna. I have a feeling that I am going to turn his world upside down."
Suddenly, Ron and Hermione got in front of Harriet to stop her until her wand changed right in front of everyone's eyes and they heard Harriet say, "I no longer know you, Hermione, Ginny, and Molly. I was trained by a government agency that her Majesty was aware of and my family titles along with the Black Family title is recognized by her Majesty as part of the Royal Court."
"Ms. Potter, what else did you find out when you were at Gringotts?" Professor Sprout asked curiously.
"I found out that my parents' wills were violated. Also, I found out that an illegal marriage contract was formed when I had a soulmate bond in place by Lady Magic herself which means that Lady Magic has considered that the ones against me will be in a bloodline feud for bloodline theft." Harriet said.
Everyone including the Death Eaters gasped in shock at hearing that Lily's and James's Will's were violated.
"Harriet? "
Harriet looked to see Arthur, George, Percy, Charlie, and Bill along with his wife, Fleur. Then she said, "Yes, Lord Arthur Weasley?"
Arthur seemed surprised that Harriet used his title but said, "You were like a daughter to me and I know that I can never replace your father, James but I enjoyed it when you would visit us."
"Harriet smiled and said, " That means a lot to me, Lord Weasley. I assure that even my soulmate will be happy to learn of how your kindness was truthful to me."
"Harriet, we wish you luck with your soulmate because he'll be the luckiest guy to have you by his side." Charlie said.
"I agree about him being the luckiest guy to have you because I have no doubt you'll be an awesome couple." Bill said.
"I'm curious, Harriet but what did your wand just change into? " Percy said.
"It changed into a bow and quiver which has probably never happened before." Harriet said.
"Bow and Quiver? " Hermione questioned.
"Blimey, Granger, did you ever read Robin Hood? " Seamus questioned.
"No, I didn't. Why?" Hermione questioned.
"In the story of Robin Hood; the bow and quiver was used as a weapon." Seamus said.
"Ms. Potter, do you know how to use it? " Flitwick asked curiously.
"I do know how to use it, Professor Flitwick because my godfather from America taught me and his fellow co-workers taught me how to handle other weapons should I need to use them. Plus, a few others helped me as well with different weapons." Harriet answered.
Once again, everyone was in shock.
"Harriet, dear, must you go to the States?" Molly questioned.
"Yes because I have business there and there is nothing that you can do Mrs. Weasley; because I have to go and I don't know if I'll return to Britain for some time." Harriet said.
Everyone wasn't sure what to think about their Savior of the magical world leaving.
"Who helped you train besides this mysterious other godfather and his co-workers?" Ginny questioned Harriet.
Harriet looked at Ginny and said, "That's Classified." Then she left.
Time Skip to Malibu, California*
Harriet has now been in Malibu, California for at least two weeks now adjusting to the time zone since it was different from Britain. She had been trying to contact her godfather, Clint Barton to let him know that she was now in America and was no longer in Britain.
She decided to go into a little café that fifteen minutes away from Stark Industries which she wasn't aware of. So, she sat down at a table and looked at when she heard, "Tony, you can be serious about meeting someone?"
"Rhodes, I said I had a feeling that I might meet someone today but I have no idea who she or he is." The other male voice said.
"Did you tell Pepper that you were meeting someone today?" The male called Rhodes said.
"No, I didn't because Pepper worries like a sister that has to protect her baby brother. " The male called Tony answered.
"Well, you and Pepper do act like brother and sister at times, Tony." Rhodes said.
Tony chuckled and said, "I guess we do, but I am nervous about meeting this person because I don't know how this person will react to meeting me."
"Well, besides you meeting someone today; we need to find a seat because the café is starting to get busy." Rhodes said.
Tony looked around for a bit then he noticed a beautiful young woman with dark brown hair that was almost raven black sitting by herself and walked over to her.
Harriet could feel someone approaching and looked up to see two gentlemen walking towards her. She knew one of them was named Tony and the other one was named Rhodes because she had heard them talking earlier.
"Excuse me, miss but do you mind if we join you?" Tony asked.
"Not all, sir. I just got here a few minutes ago myself." Harriet said in a half truth tone.
"Thanks, miss." Tony said.
"You're welcome." Harriet said.
Tony and Rhodes sat down at the table with the young woman then took a look at the menu.
"Miss, may I ask your name?" Rhodes asked curiously.
"Phoenix or Nix for short." The Young woman answered.
"Wait! You wouldn't be 'The Phoenix' that was capable of commanding military forces at the age of seventeen! Would you?! " Rhodes said.
Tony looked at Rhodes in confusion then turned back to the young woman wanting to hear what she had to say.
The young woman smiled and said, "I'm the very same Phoenix, sir. May I have your's and your friend's name as a courtesy?"
"My name is James Rhodes and this is my friend, Tony Stark." Rhodes said pointing to Tony.
"Nice to meet you both. I just actually have been here for two weeks because I had to get away from Britain." Phoenix said.
"You don't seem surprised at all about who am?" Tony said looking at Phoenix curiously.
"No, offense, Tony but I think heard about quite a bit from the newspapers and tabloids. However, I rather form my own opinion of you than believe what the papers write about you." Phoenix said.
To say that Tony and Rhodes were surprised was an understatement; because Tony wasn't sure how to respond to what Phoenix said. However, Rhodes, was amazed that Phoenix actually or even probably wanted to get to know Tony himself.
"By the way, Tony, you have a female reporter stalking you." Phoenix said suddenly.
Tony was stunned by what Nix had said then he grinned mischievously suddenly.
Phoenix was looking at Tony and saw the glint of mischief in his eyes; which caused her to laugh a bit. At that moment, a waitress stopped at their table to take their order.
"What get for you all?" The waitress said.
Phoenix grinned and said to the waitress, "I'll have an Expresso and your bagel breakfast sandwich."
"I'll have the same." Tony said.
Rhodes was stunned to hear that Tony wanted an Expresso coffee when he usually had a regular coffee and then said, "I'll just have a cup of coffee and your breakfast special."
The waitress wrote down their orders then walked off.
Tony and Phoenix were talking with each other and Rhodes wondered what Tony was up to since there was a reporter stalking him.
At that moment, Tony's friend and bodyguard entered the café searching for his boss. When he found him and Rhodey sitting with a woman eating breakfast. He was actually surprised to see his boss and friend having an actual conversation with a woman. Then he saw a female reporter and her cameraman making their way towards the table.
So, Happy Hogan made his way towards them as he wondered if the woman was going to be another one of Tony's conquest of a one night stand even though it was morning.
Happy managed to get to the table before the reporter and looked at Tony.
Tony looked at Happy and said, "Join us, Happy."
Happy watched as Tony got up and sat back down beside the woman; while he sat down beside Rhodey. Happy just watched as the woman let his boss sit next to her.
Phoenix just smiled as she was aware of what Tony was up to shock the reporter and she decided to go along with it because she knew that Tony was her soulmate.
Happy and Rhodey were watching Tony very closely.
"So, what have you found interesting about Malibu,California since you arrived?" Tony asked curiously.
"Well, the scenery is beautiful in the mornings and evenings. The ocean is serene and calming; it helps adjusting to the time zone since I'm originally from Britain, Tony." Phoenix said.
"Well, welcome to California then." Tony said.
"Thank you, Tony. I actually have a godfather that lives here in the states and I figured that I would explore the states starting with California first." Phoenix said.
Tony, Rhodes, and Happy were surprised to hear that. Just then, the waitress came back with their food and an extra cup of coffee.
"Excuse me?" The waitress said.
Phoenix looked at the waitress and said, "Yes?"
"I don't mean to sound rude, but aren't you Lady Phoenix Potter who is the famous Royal Air Force Captain that had saved the Queen's grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry unexpectedly?" The waitress asked.
Phoenix blinked and then said, "I'm actually surprised that story made headlines here."
Tony's jaw dropped in shock as did Rhodey's and Happy's.
"It did, ma'am. I wasn't exactly sure if it was you at first. My cousin's daughter doesn't stop talking about you and she has told her mother that you're her role model because of the story of you being a secret benefactor to a joke shop that she's heard about when you were fourteen." The waitress said.
Tony went wide eyed again as did the other two.
Phoenix chuckled and said, "I assure you that have been considered someone's role model before. However, my cousin is taking care of my godson because I have business here in the states; but I left Britain to travel a bit more. While I'm here, I am helping out my friend out scouting places that he might be interested in since he's wanting to expand the joke shop."
Time Skip to Six weeks later *
Headlines were now spreading with titles that Tony Stark's playboy days were over and he actually found love in a member of the Royal Court of the Queen of England.
Pepper had been completely shocked by that headline that she actually confronted Tony about it. He told her that it was true that Nix was a member of the Royal Court of England; but he hadn't expected the Press actually jump to conclusions that quick since they had actually just met.
Pepper was heading to Tony's workshop to inform him that he had a meeting today with the boardmembers of Stark Industries over the articles about him and Lady Potter.
When she arrived; she saw Tony talking via FaceTime with a woman and listened to the conversation.
"I'm sorry, that you're having to deal with all of this, Nix." Tony said.
"Don't be sorry, Tony. It was bound to happen sooner or later."
"Yeah, but Nix, they are jumping to the conclusions that we are an item and we had just met?"
"Well, that might be part my fault because I kissed your check that day when I left the café that day, Tony. I mean you, Rhodey, and Happy were the first people to become my friends since arrived in California."
Tony chuckled and said, "Maybe, but Pepper jumped the gun when she saw the picture."
"Well, I can't exactly blame her. You're her boss and dear friend. At least she's a true friend, Tony compared to the three that I thought were my friends."
"Nix, I didn't mean to..." Tony trailed off.
"Tony, I trust you and your friends. And thank you, Tony for being a friend. If our friendship leads to something more then I am happy that it would be with you."
Tony was speechless for a few minutes then said, "Nix, the articles may have reached the boardmembers of my company and I am not sure what to tell them."
"So, you think that the boardmembers will assume that we are to marry, Tony?"
"I don't know, Nix. However, they will probably suggest it because of the articles." Tony stated.
"Well, it seems like the boardmembers are forgetting just who there boss is. I mean Stark Industries was left to you and is your birth right considering you are Howard Stark's heir. They have no right to tell what to do with your life, Tony."
Pepper was stunned hearing this Nix woman getting upset on Tony's behalf. She continued to listen to the conversation.
"Thanks, Nix." Tony said.
"You're welcome, Tony. However, if they are going to push it; what will you do, Tony?"
Tony heard the curiosity in Nix's voice and said, "If they push it then I'll marry you in secret and they won't find out when and where it's going to be. We'll have it privately and only with friends and family present.'
"Sounds like you have your mind made up, Tony. So, I agree with whatever you decide if it comes to that."
"Nix?"
"Hm?"
"Do you believe that there's someone out there for you, Nix?"
"Tony, I believe that I have a soulmate and to be honest; I have stood by him recently but I didn't tell him that he was my soulmate because I didn't want to force him. I wanted to get to know him and understand him; so I could help him should he need it."
Tony let Phoenix's words wash over him for a moment or two then he asked, "Nix, am I..."
"Yes, you are , Tony."
"Wow! But why didn't you say anything, Nix?"
Pepper quietly wondered that as well and heard Phoenix's response, "Tony, I didn't want you to feel like you were trapped. I couldn't do that to you because you were a gentleman that I just met and I wanted to get to know you without the soulmate bond getting in the way. I wanted to get to know the man that Fate wanted for me."
Tony smiled a true smile and said, "Thanks, Nix and I'm glad I got to know you as well the soulmate thing getting in the way."
"You're welcome, Tony. I was concerned about telling you because I wasn't exactly sure what you thought about the possibility of soulmates being a reality."
Tony and Phoenix kept talking a bit more.