When You Saved Me

Chapter 12

Tony P.O.V

A bath and some first-aid later and we're finally out of the bathroom, Bruce has wrapped and slung Callie's arm and stitched a few open sores but she already seems to be in much better shape. I mean her speaking, even just a whisper, shouldn't even be possible at this point considering how swollen her throat was just a few hours ago, but considering she literally defies gravity I shouldn't be surprised.

We make our way to the living space; and Callie, who had been resting her head on my shoulder, lifts up to look around. Her blue eyes are open wide in awe, and for the first time I notice her long, dark eyelashes; the more the swelling goes down on her face, which is still pretty substantial, the cuter she looks. I can't pull my gaze away from her as she takes in her surroundings, her pure innocence and curiosity is captivating.

Everyone is waiting on the sectional couch in the lower level of the lounge. As we make our way down the stairs the couch comes into view and Thor stands to greet us, "did you enjoy the clothing I purchased? The Captain and I had a time filled with great amusement!" His voice booming much louder than necessary, causing Callie to jump slightly.

Cap rolls eyes, "Yeah, never ask me to go shopping with him again."

"I knew I shouldn't have expected you to be able to manage Thor's impulses," I jab at Steve.

"It is true, no one can control the whimsies of a God!" The abnormally large blonde man says, crossing his arms over his chest with a broad smile.

I shake my head, incredulous.

"Enough about Thor," Bruce says stepping forward, "this is Callie. And Callie you've already met Auntie Natasha, this is Uncle Steve, and that's Uncle Thor," he continues his introduction, motioning to each person as their name is mentioned.

"Uncle? So this is actually happening?" Steve blurts.

God I hate him sometimes...

"Yes Steve, where do you expect us to take her," I snap.

"I just thought we would take some time to see how it goes, this isn't exactly the best place for a kid Tony," he comes back, politely contrasting my rude tone.

He's always so goddam polite, I can't stand it.

"Well, it's a hell of a lot better than where we found her so I think she'll do just fine," I retort. Callie looks between Cap and I and shifts uncomfortably, she can obviously pick up on our disagreement.

"Okay, it's fine. I guess I just misunderstood," he responds, raising his hands in surrender.

He quickly changes his demeanor and looks down into Callie's face, taken aback slightly by the bruising bit swiftly regains his composure. "Hi Callie, I'm your Uncle Steve," he says enthusiastically, reaching out his arm for a handshake.

The wide eyed little girl stares at his hand quizzically and then looks up to me with a furrowed brow.

"He wants you to shake his hand," I explain, "it's a way of saying 'hello'," I add, demonstrating for her.

She tentatively reaches out mimicking my action, Steve smiles taking her hand in his and shaking it gently, "nice to meet you."

"Now it is my turn," bellows Thor cheerfully. "Hello little one, I am Thor, son of Oden, God of thunder!"

I pull back slightly, worried that Thor's enthusiasm will scare Callie, but to my surprise she giggles. Her voice still hoarse and mostly non-existent, she brings a hand over her mouth and is soon shaking in uncontrollable laughter, and I can't help myself but let out a laugh.

Soon everyone is laughing and I think to myself, this will be easy!

And then I see her, Pepper, and the look on her face makes my stomach flip.

Shit.