Irondad Oneshots

Never say never

Penny Parker was having a fantastic day.

(Note the sarcasm.)

First off, she had been the victim of an attempted kidnapping.

Key word: attempted.

They left with headaches, and reeeally bruised rears, which was the product of several well placed kicks.

Then the sixteen year old got back to her apartment, and found Pepper Potts crashing on the couch.

Apparently Tony Stark was getting on her nerves.

Which Penny completely understood.

Even though she hadn't talked to him in two months.

The two had just gotten back from a difficult mission, where one of the assailants had done something to Tony's mind.

She wasn't exactly sure what it was, but he was acting strange.

Well, strange-er.

It was like his entire demeanor had been flipped around.

People that he barely tolerated he now treated as best friends.

And those he loved?

You get the picture.

-------------

"I don't need you around, contrary to belief." Tony scoffed.

Penny folded her arms, ignoring the stab of pain at his words. "I'm trying to help you. They did something to you. Let me help, dad."

The billionaire rolled his eyes. "You could help by leaving."

The girl felt her eyes burn. "I don't want to leave you, dad. I don't want to go."

He turned away, throwing a dismissive huff over his shoulder. "Well I do want you to. So scram."

Penny shook her head fiercely. "Please, dad. You're not thinking right. They did something to your head."

His eyes were icy cold when he turned back to her. "No, Penelope. I am in perfect control of my faculties. Now leave before I have to call security."

Penny held out her hand. "Please, dad. Just listen-"

She was cut off by the whir of a repulsor, and she dodged, barely avoiding the beam aimed at where she had been standing.

His eyes showed no remorse, his lips turning up in a snarl. "Get out."

Penny's thoughts returned to the present, and she gave Pepper a brief smile, tinged with sadness. "Tea?"

The woman nodded gratefully. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Pen."

Penny huffed a laugh, grabbing tea bags and the pot. "How is everything at the tower? Steve and the others alright?"

Pepper sighed. "They are. Tony too, in case you're interested. He's driving me crazy though. He's really upset. He saw the footage. Of that night. He didn't leave his lab for a week. I think he wants to see you."

Penny winced. "He's back to normal though, right?"

Pepper moved to Penny's side. "Yeah. And he'll be here in a few minutes."

Penny dropped the pot of water, yelping a curse as she dodged out of the way of the scalding liquid. "Blast it! Ow!"

Pepper covered her mouth. "Oh. Sorry."

Penny hopped on one foot, muttering angrily at herself.

Then, the door opened, and Tony Stark came in.

He was in a casual outfit, sweatpants and a tshirt as opposed to a suit.

His expression (what little she could see of it) was drawn, and tired before his eyes widened as he took in the scene, Penny hopping and cursing, Pepper trying not to laugh, and the spreading pool of tea on the floor.

The two women froze, both turning identical wide eyes on the billionaire.

Penny slowly dropped her other foot to the floor, swiping a towel from the counter and dropping it on the floor before pressing down on it with her foot.

Pepper coughed awkwardly in the silence. "I'll just wait in the living room."

Tony watched her go, and then turned his gaze to Penny, who still hadn't moved.

She slowly opened the fridge, and got out the ingredients for sandwiches, and setting it on the counter.

Then she stared at it in confusion. "I'm not hungry. Why did I...?"

She dropped her head in her hands. "Ugh. I'm tired."

Tony hesitantly stepped closer,resting his hand on her shoulder. "Can we- can we talk?"

Penny rolled her head to the side, one eye peering up at him. "We seem to be doing that already."

He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I said, and for what I did. I don't feel like that, Pen. I don't. I mean- you're my kid. I don't- I didn't-"

His words cut off with a soft sigh. "I'm sorry, Penny. I'm so, so sorry."

Penny's eyes were soft, and understanding as she pushed herself away from the counter. "I know, dad. I know. It wasn't you saying those things. I don't blame you. I know you wouldn't say that."

Her tone turned teasing. "You might think it, but you wouldn't say it."

He pursed his lips. "No. I wouldn't think that."

She turned serious. "But I don't blame you for that. They messed with your head, and that's their fault. Not yours."

Tony sagged against the counter, all the energy seeming to seep out.

He looked old. Tired.

Penny wrapped her arms around him, carefully maneuvering under his arms to hug him.

He returned the comforting gesture, letting out a quiet sigh as he relaxed. "Love you kiddo." He mumbled against her hair.

"Love you too dad."