Protector (EN)

Chapter 3

July's view

I went to the party a quarter past seven. What was the point of me being downstairs so early. When I left the elevator, some of our guests had already arrived. Not everyone was there yet, though. Almost all of the Avengers were there. Thor was still missing, but he wasn't long in coming. Shortly after, he also arrived. He was dressed in clothes that I was not used to seeing him in. Yes, they were normal clothes. He had a white T-shirt, over it a leather jacket and a pair of jeans. Didn't look so bad.

During the party, one and the other came to me. I also noticed that some glances stuck to me. Fortunately Pepper came to me and kept me company. Not long after, my dad gave a speech.

"Ladies and Gentelmans." He was clearly drunk already " this party is for a reason, of course, and I'd like to share it with you. So please listen to me everyone!" He slurred and coughed at the same time. I hope he doesn't throw up in a minute.
He waved his hand at me to join him. "May I introduce Julia Sophie Stark. My daughter." Now I was standing next to him and he put his arm around me. Everyone applauded. I tried to put on a smile even though I didn't know most of the people here.

Now he tilted his head to my ear.

"Sweetie, you have an adorable dress on." He whispered in my ear, which then took me to smile.

I thought it would take him a long time to cheer me up after what was. But he managed it without any problems. He was Tony Stark, after all. He was my dad.

I left my dad and went back to Pepper.

"Well how does that feel? You? As Tony Stark's daughter?" Thor then asked me, who then joined us.

"Well, what can I say? You have to get into character first. He is Tony Stark" I smiled at him, at which he then had to grin.

"Yeah, that's just the way it is. I, as an Avengers member can only say that he can be pretty exhausting too."

"You don't have to tell me that, I know it from me." And had to laugh at that. Thor looked at me misunderstandingly, and I just had to think about my short time here. I know that when I was a kid, I used to get on my dad's nerves. I could be annoying without end in sight. And that hasn't changed until today.

"You're just like that?" And pointed his finger at Dad in amazement.

I nodded in response.

"Great. Two Starks at the start. This is going to be fun." He said sarcastically, which made me giggle and he just grinned.

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It was getting late, but knowing my dad, the party doesn't end until at least 3:00. I stood at the bar and watched the people on the dance floor. There was some slow music playing.

"Do you mind?" My dad asked me.
I started up startled because I was so deep in thought that I didn't even notice him walking towards me.

"Me?" I asked, confused.

"Hmmm... Well actually yes, would be embarrassing if you turned me down now." He said sarcastically.

I then took his hand and walked with him to the dance floor.

He put his right hand on my left and his right hand on my back. My right found its way onto Dad's shoulder.

"Did I tell you that you look adorable?"

"Yes you did. Thank you" I smirked.

"I'll be saying that a lot" he grinned. "You know, I'd love to give you away to someone else, but I want to know who your future one will be first. I want to know who I'm giving my gold piece to and if he's worth it" he said a bit more seriously.

I smiled at him and replied "that's okay, a father-daughter dance has to be on the list". Which made him smile.

"You know, I just discovered someone who has a dance custom." And pointed his head at Steve, who was sitting next to it, watching the people.
Dad then let go of me and walked towards him while he just left me standing there by myself.

Tony's view

"Hey Steve. You alright?" I asked him without expecting an answer I also spoke on.

"Well, look at Juli. She's standing there all alone, don't you want to dance with her. I think you need it." And patted him on the shoulder.

"But they just..." But that's when I interrupted him.

"Go ahead. I don't think she's feeling well." I said quickly. Finally Steve stood up hesitantly and looked at me a few times in confusion. He offered his hand to Juli, which she looked at first and then returned. She put her left hand on his right hand, while her right hand was on his shoulders, his left hand was on her back. In my opinion, the hand was too low, so I made eye contact with him to make him understand to pull his hand higher, which he did.

Ah, July. After all these years, she's back and she's here to stay. I missed her beyond belief. She looked so happy.

I then went to the bar and poured some whiskey, which I quickly gulped down. Pepper then came up to me and stood next to me in silence for a while. I put my glass back on the bar and then also without words Pepper offered my hand, which she then also accepted.

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July's view

Lately I drank a lot. Way too much. I only drank to vent my frustrations. With alcohol it went so well. It really started after I almost died. So I could sleep better, but I still got those nightmares.

Thor and Steve helped me get to my room. Dad couldn't do that anymore. He fell asleep on the sofa. And it was before 3 o'clock.

"Thanks you guys are really my heroes" I slurred to myself." What would I do without you?" I asked without expecting an answer.

"Maybe end up like your father" Thor grinned.

"Pretty funny big ... Pretty funny."

When we finally arrived at my apartment, I was already staggering toward the sofa. I don't think I'd make it to the bedroom. The two of them each held me by one arm. And gently laid me down on the sofa.

"Thanks you guys are the best" I said sweetly and closed my eyes.

"Good night Juli" Steve said before they both disappeared in the elevator. I opened my eyes right away and got up the next moment. I can't go to sleep like this. I took off my dress and was only in my underwear on my floor. I went into the bedroom and put on comfortable sweatpants and a gray top. And slowly staggered back to the living room, for whatever reason. Finally arrived at the sofa, I let myself fall on it. Unfortunately I missed the sofa and was already lying on the floor. I don't notice the difference, which is why I fell asleep without any problems. Had been a little too much alcohol.