Avengers Preferences

Stark ~ Never Grow Up

Name: Emma Stark

Powers: None

Relationships: Daughter to Tony Stark and unknown woman

Time: Iron Man 1, Civl War, Endgame

--

I shuddered awake and peered underneath my arm. Emma was fast asleep in my grasp, and the movie had ended. Her eyelids fluttered as a tiny smile appeared on her face. I smiled down at her, trying to take in everything about this moment, one I wanted to remember. I never expected to have her- considered an accident. Except she was the happiest accident I've ever caused. How could her mother abandon such a sweet little girl? She was so innocent, and didn't deserve any of that.

"Jarvis," I said, calling the attention of my AI.

"Yes, boss?"

"Scan the room and create a memory file for May 1st, 2008."

"On it, Mr. Stark."

The sensors projected blue light throughout the room beginning at the top. As it scanned from top to bottom, the blue light passed her face, causing her to scrunch her nose.

"Alright, kiddo, let's get you to bed." I adjusted my arm further underneath her and lifted her up while standing up myself. Carrying her to her room, she began to stretch and flutter her eyes open.

"...Daddy?" She asked in confusion.

I smiled down at her as I placed her on her bed. "It's way past your bedtime, missy. You stayed up all night eating ice cream and playing video games-"

She giggled at my comment as she shifted to a comfortable position. "Nice try, daddy. I know I fell asleep."

Pulling the blankets over her, I said, "Can't get anything by you, can I?"

She tilted her head at me, laughing silently. "Jarvis?" She whispered. "Turn on my nightlight, please."

The nightlight flicked on, illuminating a moon design. For being daughter of a technical genius, I never understood her love of space.

Leaning down towards her, I kissed her forehead lightly. "Daddy has to go on a business trip tomorrow, but I'll be back before you know it."

"Where?" She asked, probably going to ask if she can come along.

I sighed at her questions. "It's called Afghanistan. I'm presenting a special toy."

"Oh, ok."

She fell silent. I knew she didn't like my job, but she never challenged it.

I stood up from her bed and walked towards the door. As I closed it behind me, I heard a small, "Daddy?"

"Yep, kiddo?"

"Are you going to hurt people?" Her voice shook through the question.

I faced outward from the door, and quietly responded, "It's all to protect you, kiddo. I want you to know that."

"Ok," she gave up.

"Never grow up, Emma."

--

"Dad, why did you offer to drive me again?" She groaned at me in the passenger seat.

I shook my head and hit the steering wheel. "Happy can't drive you everywhere. Just doing a Dad's job."

She whined back, "You don't have to drop me off, I could've gotten a ride with someone else-"

"And miss quality time with your dad?"