The Phoenix

Chapter 5: Pepper Potts

During the short car ride to the airport, Clio was silent. Her eyes were wide when we got into the car. She seemed confused by why there was a tv and candy. The girl seemed hesitant to ask any questions. Nick hadn't told her who was fostering her, so she had a right to be miffed by everything. I didn't push her to talk. But when we pulled up next to the private jet with the words "Stark Industries" on the side, a bubble seemed to burst.

"Wait, Stark Industries? What?" She blurted out. Immediately, Clio put her hands over her mouth, like she was afraid to be punished for speaking.

Happy opened the car door for us. I slipped out and motioned for Clio to follow. "Yes, Stark Industries. I work for them."

Clio moved along behind me. "And my foster guardian does too?"

Happy and I shared a glance. Nick hadn't told her?

"Gimme a minute honey, I'll explain when we're on the plane."

Clio nodded and continued to follow me.

When we were seated on the plane, I noted the girl's behavior. Her reluctance to touch anything. Her seemingly wanted to ask questions but having a fear of that. The Benson's did a number on her. I could feel the anger in my chest.

"So here's the plan. When we get to California, in about 6 hours, we'll go to your new home. You can settle in. This week hopefully we'll be able to go shopping so you can decorate your room how you want. We can also so clothes shopping."

"Where will I be living?"

"Malibu."

"Malibu... isn't that a very rich area?"

"Yes."

"Will I be living with a family?" She hadn't asked who she would be living with yet.

"No... Clio." I put my phone down next to me and leaned forward, chin on my fist. "What did Nick tell you?"

"Oh, Ummm." Clio's heel tapped the ground at a rapid pace. "He just said there was someone he trusted to take me. He didn't want me to go into the system. He said they live in California. And he promised I could visit Peter." She spoke the last part tentatively.

I smiled. "Yes Nick told me. You'll be able to visit your best friend as often as you'd like."

"Really?" Clio looked surprised. "That's a lot of money."

I leaned back. "I think your foster parent can afford it."

"And my foster guardian is... who?"

Happy appeared next me. "Nick didn't tell you?"

Clio shook her head. "No. He just said that the person lived in California."

Happy chuckled. "Typical Nick. Always keeping secrets."

"So, uh, who is fostering me?"

Happy glanced down at me. His eyes said I'm not telling her. Kid might pass out.

I sighed. Well here goes nothing I guess.

"Tony Stark. Tony Stark is fostering you."

This is a short one. Whoops. Well things should get a little more exciting from here. Hopefully. Please give me feedback if you have any. Ideas, questions, comment, everything is welcome! Except hate. If you have hate, get out of here with your negative vibes. Anyhow, thanks for reading!
- @thephoniex_ahsoka