Iron Wolf

Chapter 4~ Father/Daughter Time

Tony's POV

With all the changes that had been happening lately, I had noticed my daughter and I hadn't been spending very much time together. And that was unacceptable; that had to change. I put down my tools and started walking to the door of the lab.

"Where are you going?" Bruce asked, glancing up at me.

"To talk to Melody," I answered, making my way to her floor of the tower. I found her on her couch, furiously typing on her laptop.

"Hey, Tails," I said, leaning on the doorframe.

"Oh, hi Dad," She said, noticing me.

"Whatcha working on?"

"It's a secret. Why, did you need something?" She asked.

"Yes. Your time."

"What do you mean?" She asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I mean we never spend time together anymore and that is just not ok. So, wanna join me and Bruce in the lab?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to overstep any boundaries with Bruce..."

"It'll be fine. He won't mind, I promise. Just don't piss him off. This place has enough damage as it is," I told her and she cracked a small smile.

"Ok," She agreed and my eyes lit up. I loved spending time in the lab with my daughter. She had a way about her that made everything an adventure. But what I was most excited about was spending time with my little girl. I knew she had trouble with new people, and our new living arrangement couldn't have been easy on her but hopefully, some time with her dear old dad would make it easier.

We made our way back to the lab and I flung myself on my stool, expecting Melody to do the same, albeit in her own way with her own flare. But she didn't, instead, she walked over and sat down. Like a normal person. Melody didn't so normal, so this was slightly worrying. But I brushed it off and started telling her about what I was working on. She was engaged enough to be interested, but she hadn't once interrupted me to tell me that something wouldn't work or to tell me how to do something better or even to give me any new ideas. She simply sat there and listened. And I was getting really worried.

"Tails. Are you ok? You seem a little... withdrawn. Like you haven't told me I'm stupid and that this thing won't work or started sprouting out creative energy that I totally would steal and use for my own gain. What's wrong, sweetheart?" I asked, worry in my tone.

"I'm fine, Dad. I guess I'm just a little tired. And I'm kinda achy but I haven't really moved the past 3 days and this is probably good for me. That's all," She shrugged.

"Really? Because that's the first thing you've said since we came down here," I pointed out.

"Dad. Trust me when I tell you that if there was a problem, I'd tell you about it. But I'm fine. Just fucking peachy," She smiled.

"You're not allowed to swear," I told her.

"And? What are you going to do about it, old man?' She challenged me.

"I'll tell your mother," I answered, feeling as though I had the upper hand.

"I swear all the time in front of her. She doesn't care. Checkmate," She smirked.

"You are such a pain in my ass," I grumbled and Bruce snickered.

"What are you laughing at, Jolly Green Giant?" I snapped playfully.

"Just how a 13-year-old put you in your place in three short sentences. The great Tony Stark put in his place so easily is funny to me."

"Thank you, Bruce. I appreciate your support. I'll be here all week," She winked and he laughed.

Bruce's POV

Watching Tony and Melody's dynamic made me happy. He would say something stupid and she'd tell him as much and he'd get flustered and she'd take advantage of that and win their mini argument. Every time. And she did it in a way that was hilarious. After a couple of hours of this, I couldn't help but develop a soft spot for the teen; caring for her like she was my own kid. She was truly something else; something special that should be cherished. And then I was glad that she wasn't my kid. This way, I hadn't infected her with her own version of 'The Other Guy'.

"Bruce? You ok? You're being really quiet," Melody said, taking me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, I'm fine. Just thinking about 'The Other Guy'," I answered her.

"You shouldn't fear him, Bruce. You are the same person you were before, the radiation just gave your anger a personified form. That's all. Hell, sometimes it's good to get a little angry. It shows that you're still human. And that is a very good thing," She told me, sadness hiding behind her eyes.

"You're really smart, you know that?" I asked her, marveled by her wisdom. I had never thought about it, or him, in that way before.

"Of course she's smart, she's my kid, Banner. Did you think I'd produce an idiot child?" Tony asked.

"Thanks, Dad. You totally didn't just ruin the really sentimental moment right there," Melody deadpanned, annoyed at her father.

"You were getting all mushy on me," He said.

"Gods forbid I have emotions," She rolled her eyes, Stark-style.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me, young lady. I'm still your father," He grumbled.

"Yes, because you've always chosen to parent me over being my best friend," She answered. Watching Tony get flustered was an interesting sight, and it seemed Melody had a talent for it.

"Hey!" Tony said, shocked at his daughter.

"Am I wrong?" She asked and he hung his head in defeat.

"No..."

"That's what I thought," She smirked before turning her attention back to me. "I meant what I said, Bruce. Don't fear The Hulk. He's a part of you and living in fear of yourself doesn't do anybody any good. Trust me, I know that better than most."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"Everyone has a dark side, Bruce," Melody smiled sadly.