Three. Years. Three years his precious daughter had been missing. Three years he had been living, trying to drown his guilt. Three years he was drinking and partying and hating himself.

For some reason, Pepper stayed. She hadn't left him yet, for some reason. He didn't understand.

Now, he had a business trip for a weapons presentation on his latest creation of death, the Jericho.

He wondered what Annabeth would think, she would hate him for ruining himself, but he hoped she would've been proud that he kept the company alive. Who was he kidding, Pepper made him keep Stark Industries from collapsing. She was the only encouragement and support he had. God, he wished that Annabeth had never been taken, but maybe it was good. He was a terrible father.

—*—

Annabeth was sparring with Luke. She was nine now, and he was eleven. Luke was a prodjedy at swords, and he'd taken her under his wing.

She caught his blow with her sword and he swung to nick her cheek. She sighed and lowered the blade.

"Don't worry about it Annabeth- someday you might even beat me!" He teased.

She scowled. As they walked to the infirmary to get her cheek bandaged, they talked casually. After a bit, she hesitated and he frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you ever think of going home?" She blurted out. The idea had been on her mind strongly especially of late. As she was older, she realized how terrible it was to stay away. The adrenaline and excitement had worn off and she felt guilty. Even if he hadn't been perfect, Tony was her father. Didn't she owe it to him to come back?

Luke froze. He didn't know about Tony. He didn't know how conflicted she still was. But he did remember how he'd found her. "We met in an alleyway when you were six. You told me your dad never paid attention to you, why in Hades would you go back?"

Annabeth flinched. "I don't know, I guess i just feel guilty."

"Well don't. You have friends and family here. Camp is our home." Luke wrapped her in his arms and she relished at the gesture. Luke didn't show much physical affection so his hug was special to her.

"You're right." Annabeth agreed. She didn't know what she would ever do without him.

—*—

"I am Iron Man." Tony's words sent the audience into uproar. But he wouldn't take them back. He had a duty to protect and save to world, to make up for his failure as a father in being a hero to the others.

"Tony?" Pepper called, walking into his lab, "You in here?"

"Yep. Just working on the suit." He replied. She sighed as she came over to him.

"You missed another board meeting." She told him, "An important one?"

Tony shrugged, it was his company, he still was in control. He thought back to how Pepper had stayed with him for all the years. He was thoughtful as she turned to leave. "Wait." She turned. "Thank you." He said quietly.

It was the first time Pepper had heard the great Tony Stark express gratitude so sincerely. But she wasn't sure for. "You're welcome." She replied, instead of asking for clarification. With a final nod, she left, leaving Tony to his work.

—*—