Steel Meets Iron

Chapter 11

"Now listen," Pepper threw carefully chosen outfits into a small suitcase, "I have to go to a meeting/conference out of state for a few days. Five days max."

Tony leaned on the door frame, he knew that she had a few business trips planned for this year, she had gone on them before. As of late it was the norm for Pepper to leave for conferences at moment's notice. Ever since the invasion he had been glad for her periodic absences, he could extend her stay whenever danger came close to home. He was hardly concerned about her business prowess, she was a juggernaut, she would do whatever needed to be done. Tony was concerned, just slightly about Raven, five days alone with Raven, that meant he had do everything that Pepper normally did. That bothered him. Just a little bit. Pepper was way better had handling Raven than he was, he guessed it was because she took care of him so long that childcare was second nature to her.

"Remember Tony," she zipped the suitcase shut, "you have to help her clean Yoda's cage, make sure she eats her vegetables. Other than carrots," she added sternly. "She doesn't eat them no desserts, that includes cookies after dinner. She isn't allowed any sweets after dinner, she can have fruit and popcorn but only if a movie is on. And make sure she is in bed by nine-thirty, the latest. That means you watch her brush her teeth, tuck her in, one story and lights out." She slipped on her jacket. "Don't forget her after dinner bath."

"God Pepper," he groaned, "she's been here long enough. I think I can handle my own daughter."

She folded her arms, "Precisely that, she's your daughter. That means you have to say no if she fusses and put her in time-out if she has a tantrum. You."

"Oh come on," he rolled his shoulders, "she listens."

"I'll be checking in," she decided, ignoring his last sentence. Two Starks alone? She had to make sure they didn't burn the tower to the ground.

"Pepper I can handle five days," he protested, "it's not impossible. I've saved the world, remember?" He pointed to himself pompously. "I think watching my own kid is a little easier than fending off an invasion."

Pepper sighed, she wanted to believe Tony but he barely took care of himself. Could he take care of Raven who never voiced her wants and needs? She had a hard time figuring out what she wanted at times because she hardly asked for anything that wasn't directly hers. She ate snacks that were hers she made her own sandwiches but she never asked for them to make something for her unless they offered first.

"Alright, alright." She glanced at her watch. "Let me tell her goodbye."

Raven had yet to come down, it was still pretty early so maybe she was asleep. They entered silently and peeped at her, she was bundled up to her neck, breathing loudly. Tony patted her shoulder hoping to gently rouse her but she moaned and buried herself under her covers. He rubbed her covered head,

"Rise and shine Rae." He smiled at Pepper when she moaned again. They had the same disdain for the morning but Pepper wasn't smiling at all. "What?"

Pepper pulled back the covers, "Sweetie, look at me." Raven puffed angrily at the flash of light that hit her eyes. Pepper put a hand on her forehead, "She's burning up," she reported to Tony.

Oh no, not now. Not today.

"What?" He put a hand on her forehead. "Jesus," she was warm. "When did this happen?"

Pepper's phone went off. "God my plane," she gave Raven a kiss. "Don't worry sweetie, Tony's going to take you to the doctor and you'll be better in no time." Raven said nothing and flopped back under her covers. "I'll be back in a few days. I'll call you later alright?" Raven moaned.

"Doctor?" He echoed.

"She needs something to bring that fever down," Pepper exited the room and Tony followed suit. "Before it gets higher. And we need to figure out what type of cold it is."