Other Than This

1

     There was a lot of noise. That was always the first thing Melanie Downey noticed when getting out of the car for these types of events. The noise grew louder once the press and fans realized who was getting out the car. Melanie looked back once she reached one of the handlers assigned to help her with the press that night. Out of it, stepped none other than the man himself, Robert Downey Jr. Melanie looked at her father and smiled, knowing how much this night meant to him. 10 years before, Melanie walked another red carpet for the Iron Man premiere hand-in-hand with the man that is now considered the godfather of the MCU. The pair had truly grown with Marvel: she'd met people she considers family; her dad was able to grow beyond the reputation; they'd both been able to create a relationship with each other that was more than a father who paid for her private school tuition. Melanie no longer felt as if she was competing for his attention, but now was an important part in his life.

     Melanie stood in front the press who were taking her picture. This night was already emotionally charged enough, with the possibility of it being her father's last movie as Iron Man. She tried to not pay attention to that, instead focusing on doing her best to not trip in the heels she was wearing. The photographers were screaming either Melanie's or Robert's name, doing what they could to get them to look at the camera. Melanie turned away from the cameras and looked toward her dad, his smile was contagious. She couldn't be any prouder to be his daughter. Robert took notice of her staring and moved closer to her, putting his arm around her.

     "I thought you weren't gonna do press Mels." Robert inquired, this time moving so he could look at her.

     Melanie shrugged, "It's not my fault the press finds me so irresistible. Not to mention, I would like at least one professional picture from tonight, for the mems."

     Her father laughed, "Of course, the mems. Are you gonna do interviews too, or head straight inside?"

     "No to interviews." Mels responded as they both moved towards where the press waited with microphones to ask them the standard premiere night questions. "I always end up saying too much and then get embarrassed."

     "Like when you admitted you had a crush on Chris and he was standing right beside you." Robert laughed as his team waited for the pair to finish talking.

     Melanie shot her father a look of disgust, "I didn't ask for examples father. Go, do interviews. I'll be inside, gettings snacks, and fangirling over everyone."

     "So you'll be in your natural habitat."

     "Bye dad."

     With that, Melanie walked away from the group of people that included her father and his team and towards the next part of the carpet. Lined on the sides of the tent were the different costumes that had played an important part in Melanie's life. She tried to not laugh at the irony of it all. It's not like you need one. Melanie lingered at Gamora's suit. Four years ago, when she had seen the movie for the first time, she declared that she didn't want to be an Avenger anymore. She wanted to be a Guardian. She clearly remembers telling her dad and causing a 'fight' between the two. The only way the two of them put Melanie's decision behind them was by coming to a middle ground: she would be a Guardian who somehow ends up on earth and joins the Avengers from there. What Melanie hadn't mentioned to her father was what she loved most about the Guardians was their family dynamic. The Avengers come together when they have to; the Guardians stay together because they want to.

     Melanie was walking into the theatre after gawking at Chloe Bennett from afar because Holy hell, that woman makes me forget I'm straight. Her phone vibrated in her hand once she was standing in line for the snacks and she didn't have to look to know it was her mother. There was not one night that past when Melanie was with her father that her mother didn't text to make sure she was okay. Melanie attributed this commonality to two things: her mother and father had met in a very different time in their lives, one that the young girl couldn't even imagine them in now; her mother was not in the public eye, rather going back to school and became a registered nurse. Linda Ramirez never liked that so many people knew her name, but always loved how much Robert loved his daughter.

Mi vida, are you coming home tonight? Or are you staying with your father?

I'm coming home right after the movie. I have an exam in 3rd period tomorrow so I can't go to the after party.

Okay, I'm heading to the hospital to start my shift. Make sure you turn on the alarm when you get here. Enjoy yourself, love you.

Si señora, love you too.

     The night continued on parallel to most other premieres that Melanie had attended: the guest filed into the theatre. The cast stood in front of the screen with producers and directors giving the 'thank you and hope you enjoy speech'. There was a different energy charging through the air. 10 years worth of films led up to this moment and the anticipation was real. The movie played, and within the first five minutes Melanie had tears flowing. By the end, Melanie was shocked into stillness: tears were falling harder now and she couldn't help the words that fell out of her mouth.

     "What the fuck?"

     "Melanie." Her father said sharply, but then shook his head. "You're right, but maybe use different words so your mother doesn't kill me the next time she sees me."

     "But Dad," Melanie said, waving a tissue from her clutch into her hand and cleaning up her face from the tears that were still falling. "He killed everyone but the people I was expecting and had prepared myself for. He fucking killed Spider-Man. Who the hell -"

     "Melanie, please. You know I don't care if you curse because free expression and everything but your mom will kill me."

     "Dad. Bucky died. Again. And don't even get me started on Loki."

     "I really should get you home."

     "Please I need to lie down."

     The two of them walked hand in hand out of the theatre and into the lobby where a lot of the cast was gathering. Among the people in the room, stood someone who always made the effort to make sure Melanie was seen beyond being her father's daughter.

     "Melanie, my love." Chris Evans smiled and pulled her into a tight hug. "Are we gonna dance to a merengue together tonight?"

     "Tio Chris, there's nothing I want more than to dance with you, but I have to go home and study." Melanie said motioning towards the exit.

     Chris was still holding onto her when he spoke again, "At least tell me what you thought of the movie."

     "Two words come to mind: emotionally traumatizing." Melanie made certain to over enunciate the phrase for emphasis.

     "That's specific," Chris cracked a smile, "I'm glad I could cause you to feel that."

     "It was mainly Zoe to be honest." She pushed him with her shoulder before voicing a persistent thought. "Do you ever think what life would be like if all that was real?"

     "Do I ever think about if a big purple alien were to come to earth and attack us all?" He paused, "Or do I ever think about what if one day we find out that there are people with superpowers?"

     "The big purple alien. You know how much I love aliens." Melanie laughed, trying to cover her now fidgeting hands.

     "We are not ready for aliens to be real Mels."

     "Yeah, I don't think we are either."

***

this is a lot longer than i remember. enjoy!