Saving Grace

Nineteen

"So, you're actually a secret agent?" Grace asks excitedly.

Natasha chuckles. "Yup."

"And your real name is Natasha?"

"Uh huh."

"That's even prettier than Natalie," Grace says, eyes wide.

Natasha smiles — a genuine one.

In the next room, Tony is waiting for Fury to enter. There are files on the table. One of them says, "Avengers Initiative Preliminary Report."

Before Tony can open it, Fury walks in and places his hand on it. "I don't think I want you looking at that." He takes it back and sits down across from Tony. "I'm not sure it pertains to you anymore. Now this on the other hand, is Agent Romanoff's assessment of you. Read it." He hands Tony the file.

Tony opens it and starts reading from it. "'Personality overview: Mr Stark displays compulsive behaviour.' In my own defence, that was last week. 'Prone to self-destructive tendencies-' I was dying. I mean, please. '- but mostly takes responsibility for his daughter and her safety.' Finally, something fairly accurate. 'Textbook narcissism.' Agreed. Okay, here it is. 'Recruitment assessment for Avenger Initiative: Iron Man? Yes.'" He puts the file down. "I gotta think about it."

"Read on," Fury says.

"'Tony Stark not... not recommended?' That doesn't make any sense. How can you approve me but not approve me? I got a new ticker. I'm trying to do right by Pepper and my daughter. I'm in a stable-ish relationship."

"Which leads us to believe at this juncture that we'd only like to use you as a consultant. You need to get your life back on track. Spend time with your daughter."

Tony stands, then Fury does. They shake hands. Tony smiles thinly. "You can't afford me." He turns to go, but then stops. "Then again, I will waive my customary retainer in exchange for a small favor. Rhodey and I are being honoured in Washington, and we need a presenter."

Fury smiles a little. "I'll see what I can do."

~~~~

Senator Stern presented the medals to Tony and Rhodey. Tony held back laughter almost the entire time.

"It is my honour to be here today to present these distinguished awards to Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes and Mr. Tony Stark —who is, of course, a national treasure." The medals are held out to him on a board, and he pins one on Rhodey's uniform. "Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel, for such an exceptionally distinguished performance. You deserve this."

"Thank you, sir," Rhodey replies.

He moves on to Tony. "Mr Stark. Thank you for such an exceptionally distinguished performance. You deserve this." He pricks him with the pin. Tony winces. "Oh, sorry. That was an accident."

It wasn't.

Grace watches with Happy from several feet away, concealed by him and other members of Tony's security. No one knows she's there but Tony, Rhodey, Pepper, Happy, and the security. She beams with pride, watching photos being taken of her father and Rhodey with Senator Stern.

~~~~

Later that day, back at home, Grace is in her room, painting with the paint set her father finally bought her. She's using the art skills Natasha taught her in their free time to try to paint Iron Man. It's not looking too bad.

Then, there's a knock on her door. She turns. "Come in."

Tony opens the door, looking inside. He sees Grace in the back corner at the easel, positioned just behind her dresser. He walks in. "Hey, sweetheart."