Title: Protect My Heart

Author: Erik-in-CT

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Stephanie Meyer or Marvel Comics, and not myself.

Bella stood in her room at Charlie's house, looking around her. It was odd to her how the place she had dreaded coming to just about a year ago had managed to become what came to mind when she thought of home. And it was with a kind of sadness that she had started packing up her bags once again. Granted it was only for a few months that she would be away, but it still felt like leaving her home all over again. It was scary in a way. But considering the reason she was leaving, it was a little bit easier, though not in any way less frightening for her.

"Hey Bells, you just about ready?" Charlie asked as he popped his head in the door.

"Yeah dad," she replied as she zipped up the suitcase she had been packing with the scant remainder of her warm weather clothing. She would have to get Renee to send some of her clothing from Phoenix. Either that, or do some shopping. Her Forks wardrobe would not work for a summer in Los Angeles. Looking around herself one more time to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything crucial, she began to think that this time away from Forks would be good for her in more ways than one.

"Things will sure be different without you around," Charlie said as he helped her take her few bags downstairs to the waiting cruiser. "You sure you'll be alright by yourself in the big city?"

"I'll be fine dad. Besides, I won't really be by myself." Actually, she'd be moving into a small apartment in the Stark Headquarters complex that was for out-of-town company visitors. The complex was like a small city unto itself. She wouldn't really even need to leave the grounds for anything, unless she wanted to do touristy stuff, which she wasn't big on anyway.

"I'm really proud of you Bells," Charlie said as he started up the cruiser and began their drive to the airport at Port Angeles. "This is a great chance for you to really find your way and decide what you want to do with your life. I'm sure you'll do great."

"Thanks dad," Bella said as she watched the woods flash past the window of the cruiser. From Port Angeles, she's catch a short flight up to Seattle, then a slightly longer flight down to Los Angeles where someone would be waiting to pick up her and take her to her home for the summer. And on Monday she started her very first day as an intern for the biggest technology company in the world. Definately a little intimidating. But she had most certainly faced scarier situations than moving to a big metropolis and starting a new job.

As she stepped out of the airport terminal with her bags slung over her shoulder, Bella glanced around her at the throngs of people milling about and finding their way through the massive airport. Then she caught sight of a stocky man in a suit holding a card with her name on it. Making her way towards him, she smiled hesitantly. "I'm Bella Swan," she said as she reached him.

"A pleasure, Ms. Swan," the man said with a grin as he folded the card and put it in one of the suit's pockets. "Welcome to Los Angeles. Do you have any other bags you would like me to take for you?" he asked, eyeing her two small bags.

"Afraid not. This is it for now," she replied with a shrug of her shoulders, declining his offer to help with the bags she had.

"Alright. If you'll just follow me, the car is right out front." Turning, he led her out of the terminal and into the summer California sun. He led her to a fancy black car, obviously very expensive. A Rolls Royce if she wasn't mistaken, though her knowledge of cars wasn't quite up to par. Taking her bags and putting them in the trunk, he held open the back door of the car for her. When she slid across the dark leather seats into the air conditioning, she realized she wasn't the only passenger. Sitting in the seat next to her was Tony Stark himself.

"Mr. Stark!" she exclaimed in surprise, taken off guard by his presence. Regaining her composure, she offered him a small smile. "A pleasure to see you again sir."

"And you as well Bella," he replied as the car began to pull out of the airport. "And you can feel free to call me Tony. I'm an informal kind of guy. I thought I'd tag along to make sure you got properly settled in your apartment."

"That's very kind of you sir...Tony," Bella said as she turned her head to watch the city fly by them, and to hide the flush of pink that colored her cheeks. Her tendency to blush easily was really quite annoying.

"It's nothing," he replied. "How was your flight down?"

"Just fine," Bella said. "Thank you. Though I could use something to eat. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast early this morning."

"Say no more," Tony said. "We'll drop off your luggage at the apartment, and give you a moment to settle, then I'll treat you to dinner. A welcome gesture for your first night."

"Sounds great." Dinner with Tony? Bella wasn't sure if she'd survive the night.

Author's Note:

Yay! So Bella did win. Kudos to those who guessed she would. lol

So I cleared up the question of Tony's age, but it seems there is a little confusion on Bella's age as well, so let me fix that. At this point, Bella is 18 (just a few months shy of 19). So she's legal. ;)

Sorry for the short chapter. Just wanted to get it out before a crazy weekend beings for me. But I'll warn you in advance, with next week's update, things are gonna start getting dramatic! Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhh

As always, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please Read & Review & suggest the story to all your friends! lol