Time to shine

The Meeting

I should of stood up. I should have walked over to him and adressed him, like the many scenarios in my head told me to. But I did none of that. I watched dully as he entered the bar, my apathic look back on my face as the door closed behind him. How stupid did I think I was?  I groaned audibly, though no one was around to hear. Algebra sat lifelessly in my lap. Empty. Like how I currently felt. Tired, as well. It was well past 2AM, and my childish body happily reminded me of that. I finally broke my stare from the bar door, standing up to stretch as I clutched Algebra in my arms. I may not have had the courage to adress the big man himself, but I feel confident enough to inspect his car. Knowledge can never hurt, right?  I walk over to the car I dubbed black beauty, staring at the door. The familiair tingling of my powers surged through my fingertips before, with a quiet 'pop', the car door unlocked and swayed open. I had a childishly happy smile on my face as I hoisted my small frame unto the drivers seat. God, this car looks heavenly! I set Algebra on the passengers seat as I swayed my dangling legs. Right. I was here to gather information. My small hands opened the dashboard and rummaged through a small stack of papers. All had the Stark Logo imprinted on them. All but one. I recognised it as S.H.I.E.L.D's logo. A secret organization dedicated to saving the world; Founders of the Avengers as we know them today. I was suprised to find the folder left so carelessly in his car. Tony Stark must have been out of it worse then I thought, after Pepper, to leave this unguarded. "Wait.." I muttered as I skimmed the side of the file with my fingers. Unguarded?  Tony never leaves anything unguarded. JARVIS... I groan and feel around, finding a blinking light underneath the steering wheel. Silent alarm. 

"Fuck me..." I breathed out incredulously. How did I not think of that? I snatch Algebra back in my arms, slipping out of the drivers seat with a 'thud.' "Nah, I don't usually fuck kids." A sarcastic reply came from behind me. I froze, my nose picking up on the alcohol scent that was wafting over. Cologne, as well. Stark's cologne, to be precise. I span on the balls of my feet, my widened, green eyes looking up to him; my neck craned back to be able to see his face. Perhaps I could present myself like a beggar, so he would release me out of pity? "Kid, why'd you break in to my car?" He questioned rather impatiently, one of his perfectly kept eyebrows arched up. Sassy one, isn't he?  "For the same reason you drink." I retorted, pulling Algebra harder against my flat chest. Tony took off his shades, an almost sinister expression in his eyes as he stared intently at my face. "To remember how to forget, Mr Stark." I continued with a kinder voice this time. I had seen his expression, and I understood it. My eidetic memory forbid me to forget, but it also forbid me to remember anything from before I came here. I couldn't let go of him and his tower, thus I hoped to find closure by feeding myself information. To be able to let go. I had a feeling that Tony had some thoughts of his own, seeing as how his sassy mouth took long before it re-opened. "How old are you, again? And call me Tony. Mr Stark was my father." He spoke softly, all trace of dreaminess gone. He leaned against the hood of his car, a drink still in his hand. Of course, why wouldn't he? "Not 'again,' Tony. I never told you my name. It's Catalina Moon. I'm nine years old." I announce in exasperation. This is where my age becomes a bother. And right on cue with my thoughts, Tony snorted his drink on the street. Very tactful, Stark. 

I shot him a mildly amused glance, biting my bottom lip to hold in a laugh. He turned to look at me, really look at me. Only now did his drunken mind realise I was a child this young. And that I looked horrible. "... Will that scan you seem to be making of me, take any longer? " I finally snapped, uneasiness rolling over me in waves. I was not some cattle he could study. "You look horrible." He blurted out, appearently not giving a damn about his choice of words. I would blame the alcohol, but this is his personality in general. "And you reek of sweat." I countered, allowing an amused smile to play on my lips. "Human nature." He used as his excuse, waving it off. Oh, did he expect me to give up and turn tail? "Hyperhidrosis. A condition where the human body has an inability to sweat. You and your overly excessive bodily fluids, have no excuse however." By now, my stomach had been growling mercilessly loud, and I had hid half of my face behind Algebra. Sleep and hunger. Very unfortunate combination of feelings. Tony however, was occupied by gawking at me, before he fell back in a scowl. Offended pride, possibly. Losing to a child is never easy to grasp. I offered him a hesitant smile after my stomach once more, broke the uncomfortable silence. "I need to head home, Tony. I am sure that 3AM is late enough." I may be a genius, but I am still a child. This much excitement, malnourishment and lack of energy are the very definition of unhealthy. This seemed to snap him from his tipsy stupor, pulling the car door further open. "I'll drive you. Yes, I can still drive." He added as he saw my doubtful face, poking his tongue out at me. Oh, you go girl. I mentally cheered him on, shaking my head in defeat as I slipped unto the passengers seat with Algebra. 

Tony nudged my doll before the car engine roared to life. "Who's that, pipsqueak?" I deliberately ignored his petname, sighing once. "Her name is Algebra. Hey, shut up." I growled as Tony giggle-snorted repeatedly at my statement. I gave him directions to my alley, of course not telling him my house was an alley. Finally, he pulled the car to the side and cut the engine as we arrived. I suspect he had his suspicions. My clothes and weight made it an easy equation. "I'll walk you home, little mouse." He informed me casually. Oh, there it is. His suspicion. I hadn't the energy nor patience to tell him off and simply shrugged, slipping out of the car for the second time today. "Suit yourself. I'm going straight to bed, though." I murmured, Algebra feeling heavier than usual. Yeah, either way, I would pass out soon. Hard. We strolled through the alley all the way to its dead ended back. I set Algebra against the container before seating next to her. An old, torn blanket was pulled over us before I hid my small hands under it and curled up. "...Night..." I whispered, almost immidiately taken into a deep sleep. And for once, I failed to notice a detail. The detail of Anthony Edward Stark staring at me with pity and determination.