Chapter 2
Tame birds sing of freedom. Wild birds fly.
The drive to Midtown was always a drag. It was short enough that Indiana could always doom scroll the traffic away but it wouldn’t make the actual going to school situation disappear.
It was a gloomy day. Dark ominous clouds circled above NYC as Indiana rode in the back of the car.
Happy was driving as always, stern blank stare daring any other drivers to try cut him off. Peter, being on his Stark week, was sat in the front finishing off some calc homework he’d left to the last minute. He must have forgotten before he went web slinging last night. She couldn’t help the resentment brewing.
Peter had described the way the air felt on his face as he swung through the corridors that made up the city. He spared no details on how he flew through the streets and the rush of adrenaline as he raced around corners. He’d even once shown Indiana a picture of the view from the top of the Empire State Building. She couldn’t deny it was breathtaking.
The one time she’d mentioned riding passenger while Peter swung her Dad had jumped in with a firm no. She may not have super hearing but she swore she could hear the heart palpitations from where she had been sat in the lounge.
As it was she was on a strict ban from having any association with Spider-Man, let alone joining his nightly swinging. Indiana was banned from anything that didn’t involve sitting nice and quietly in the safety of Avengers territory, that being the tower or compound (in her opinion). Her parents argued it was for her safety but when her brother, who mind was only one year older than her, could not only web sling but get the subway to get to school when he was at May’s she’d call that unfair.
This argument had been had more times than she could count but if her Dad was anything it was stubborn. Her Mom was a bit more understanding, seeing her daughter slowly being driven to madness by her confinement, but sided with her Dad when it was regarding their daughter’s safety.
She wasn’t a kid anymore, she was almost 15 years old and she still was the porcelain doll her parents loved. She wasn’t that at all. She was the ratty barbie doll found in the car boot sales in mismatched garments and a bird's nest for hair.
That was one part of herself that couldn’t be touched or stopped, even if her Dad had a lot to say about it, her appearance.
Today Indiana Stark was wearing an oversized denim jacket she’d found at a thrift store. She’d patched the holes over time with random scrap fabrics she had left over or patches she’d gotten at her latest gigs. Underneath was a faded black tank top with baggy cargo trousers. Her doc martens scuffed and worn from the years of use. Her hair was how it always was out of official events, dark choppy pixie that she’d slavoured in hair clay before rushing out the door. She’d had just enough time to smudge some eyeliner on.
She had some eerie Childish Gambino loudly playing through her headphones as Midtown came into view. The sea of students were sprawled around the entrance, some groups huddled under umbrellas and others braving the light drizzle of rain. She was almost certain paparazzi where either in the bushes or would bribe someone to sneak a picture of them.
She was used to it at this point.
Once the car had stopped Indiana muttered a thanks and got out the car. She caught her brother in her peripheral waving Happy off and heading over to Ned and MJ who stood at the doors for their wayward friend.
She got on with the both, spending enough time with them when they came over or she visited May to grow slightly attached. Ned was beaming at Peter, already probably talking his ear off about Star Wars or some other nerdy shit. MJ shot Indiana a small nod before turning with her friends into the building.
Indiana didn’t have anyone to go to.
Sure that was her own fault but she preferred it this way. No manipulators or fake friends, just the most trusted person to keep her company, herself.
She made her way inside, turning her music up slightly as she navigated the grey hallways to her locker. Making quick work of grabbing her things and moving to her first class. Physics.
Indiana despised it.
She was smart, a Stark brain not easy to hide but it made more things painfully boring. She’d wizz through most things without blinking an eye but she felt like a cheat.
She had a feeling most other people turned their noses up at her at the protege of Stark Industries who put 0 effort in and still passed. To Indiana passing at the minimum was the only thing she needed to do. She’d heard the lecture enough that she needed to try harder but her heart wasn’t in it.
If it was up to Indiana she’d be in Basquiat School of the Arts only a few blocks away.
It’d been opened this year and she’d already seen the reviews. It was curating a new generation of artists and performers, nurturing their skills and interests to create mind blowing art.
That was what she wanted to do.
She wanted her name in lights only if it meant it was attached to her true soul, her pieces she so desperately wanted to release. Her parents weren’t particularly against it, in fact a lot of her pieces were proudly hanging on the walls of her homes but as long as the world only knew her as the genius daughter of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts her artwork would never see the light of day.
She’d gone to Basquiat School’s art exhibit only one month before. She’d snuck out of school just to see it. It had been worth the earful from her Dad. It was like being born again. Her spirit had sung with every exhibit she’d seen.
The colours swirling through her iris. She felt like that was her version of swinging, being surrounded by the creations others created no matter their status. They only had a lust for creativity. When it came to the performances she wasn’t ashamed to admit she’d shed a tear. Those kids, her age, had shown their passion through the smooth movements of their performances. Some did ballet, others did breakdancing and modern pieces.
When she’d gotten back home both her parents had urged her to complete the year at Midtown. Yeah… that hadn’t ended well for anyone, especially Peter’s hypersensitive hearing.
Indiana shook it off, trying not to think about it too hard as she entered her classroom. Only a few other students pottered around, not many paying attention to the young girl walking in with her head down and earphones blasting.
She made her way to the back of the classroom before anyone could take too much interest. She got her things out and removed her headphones. The bell should be going in about two minutes and if she wanted to avoid her teacher having a fit she’d have to play the part of perfect student for a bit.
Opening her book she got to the most recent coursework she had to complete. Something about energy types. She’d almost cried when they painstakingly went through each type as if her teacher Ms Edwards was unaware most kids in this school were geniuses.
Just before the bell went she felt someone slide next to her. She didn’t need to look to know who it was.
“So Indie that Gala looked pretty sweet.”
Rolling her eyes she tried to ignore him but he just couldn’t stop himself.
“You know I was pretty hurt I didn’t get an invite. I thought we were friends.”
Turning her glare to her offender she took in the gut-retching suit Jude Isaac had decided to wear today.
He awkwardly cleared his throat,
“Cmon don’t be like that. I’m only saying you probably could have used the company with all the big names there.”
Jude had been her first crush in elementary school. The thought almost sent shivers down her side.
Jude was the son of one of her Dad’s lead R&D scientists. He had worked at the company for far too long in Indiana’s opinion and Jude had been over a few times during company dinners. In elementary school his awkward charm and adorable suits had catched the ignorant Indiana’s eyes. She’d heard about crushes from some of her ‘friends’ at the time and thought a boy’s attention=love.
He was also, unfortunately, her first kiss. It had been messy, gross and she could taste the salt and vinegar crisps he’d been devouring only minutes before.
Before she could tell him to buzz off in a not so polite way Ms Edwards walked through the door on the bell,
“Mr Isaac return to your seat.”
Jude scurried across the room, ever the teacher's pet as Ms Edwards turned back to the board to start going through the rosta.
Indiana’s gaze slipped to her work book and all the sketches she’d done in the margin. It was her zen, mindlessly drawing away the boredom, pressures and expectations on her shoulders. But it didn’t take her away. No, it was just another reminder she was alone and no-one cared to do what Indiana wanted.
-
The final bell rang and Indiana bolted for the door, her things already packed in preparation.
Making quick work down the hallway she deposited her books she didn’t need in her locker and headed to the exit. She could see students slowly making their way out of their classrooms as the autumn air ruffled her hair.
She jogged down the steps to Happy’s waiting vehicle. Instead of reaching out to hop in she knocked on the passenger window. It slowly lowered Happy already sternly looking at Indiana,
“You know what Mr Stark said kid. Straight back to the Tower.”
Indiana tried not to roll her eyes as she responded,
“I know what he said Happy. I've passed it by Mom already. I’ll call when I need a pickup. Two hours on the dot.”
She had pulled out her phone as she quickly tried to get Happy on her side, showing him the short texts she’d sent her Mom at lunch asking to go thrifting for a couple hours. She’d been reluctant but agreed as long as she wore her Stark Watch.
It was like being cuffed at all times.
GPS, vital signs, emergency contacts, and a self-destruct mode (which Indiana found worrying) to make sure the youngest Stark didn’t go off running or get taken. Neither had happened yet and Indiana was careful when toeing the line, knowing her Dad would rather lock her inside if he had anything to say about it.
Any rule breaking would give him even more reason to.
Happy eyed her phone warily and grunted in response. She took it as her yes and quickly walked down the street, headphones appearing on as she walked.
Phase 1 completed successfully.
Indiana made her way around the corner and out of Happy’s eye sight before she started running. Her cans juggling loudly in her bag as she did.
What Happy didn’t know wouldn’t kill anyone… as long as her Dad didn’t find out.
She kew not to stray too far without alerting her parents. Finding a large goodwill she frequented she made her way inside, sliding into the corner and taking out her small multi-tour and opening the small top of her watch.
She was skilled enough in this already that she froze her location in under a minute.
Sliding it all back into place Indiana browsed for a few minutes to not raise suspicion then made her way out the door.
Okay, two hours, plenty of time for her to get started.
Taking the subway she took the line that would take her to the outskirts of the Bronx. There she was invisible with her hood up and bandana wrapped around the lower part of her face.
No-one would bother her as long as she stayed small and didn’t get in anyone's way.
Making her way out into the open air she walked down some alleys, looking for an empty canvas for her to start.
On her third try she found the perfect one. A single homeless man was leant against the corner, rolling cigarettes and minding his own business.
He glanced up briefly at the young masked girl in front of him but when$50 fell into his lap he shut up quickly muttering a slightly crackled thank you and made his way into the open street.
Indiana dropped her back and fished to the bottom until she pulled out her spray cans.
It was rare that she got this amount of time out under her parent's ever watchful eye and she was going to use it to her full advantage.
Next grabbing her sketch book she flipped through the pages until she found her blueprint. It wasn’t a massive piece but it was her baby made over multiple drafts and sleepless nights.
Uncapping her black paint can she started her outline, stepping back frequently to check the positioning. With the grounding beats of music and the familiar weight of her cans she disappeared into her rhythm.
Each line was an extension of her limbs, each colour a strike of her conflict and every detail a part of her story. Before she knew it she was finished, taking a step back to admire her work.
In it a silhouette of a young woman appeared to be gazing out at a New York City skyline, her arm outstretched as if to touch the city. The neon colours wild and reaching out the the looming Towers.
To Indiana it showed her that the world was just at her fingertips and in any other world she’d grab it. But in this moment she was a rogue teenager, daughter of one of the most notable avengers and billionaires in the world, committing a crime just so she could feel something.
-
She managed to call Happy one minute before her time was up.
She was sweaty and definitely smelt of paint but she had made it. Happy wasn’t one to stick his nose in her business if he couldn’t help it.
He pulled up wordlessly and Indiana climbed in. Her small smile had made it’s way onto her face. She could breathe just a little bit easy despite the chemicals she most definitely had been huffing while she painted.
Happy, as expected, silently drove her back to the Tower. Indiana opened her timeline to pass the time:
@ TMZ
“The #StarkKids are back at school and looking very different to their Gala attire. Indiana Stark’s striking statement outfit suggests some rebellion? Tell us your thoughts below.”
*Indiana Stark and Peter Parker-Stark pictured walking up the Midtown steps, Peter three steps ahead. Indiana’s double denim moment the focus of the camera shot*
comments:
@ indianastarkunoffical
“indiana serving face”
@ indianalove
“i’ll say it once and i’ll say it again i need a stark family reality show stat to get all the tea”
@ starkchronicles
“I second that! #StarkFam #StarkRealityShow”
@ michellejones
“Taking pictures of kids going to school is weird. Lay off.”
@ officaljudeisaac
“My girl looking fine today <3”
@ fangirl_nation
“ew who even are you?”
@ officaljudeisaac
“Indiana’s boyfriend. Who even are you???”
@ indianalove
“as if indiana would ever go for something like you”
@ indianastarkunoffical
“i’m pretty sure she wouldn’t go for chicken little when she could literally choose anyone.”
@ officialjudeissac
“1: Chicken Little is actually a very intellec-”
Trying hard to stifle her snort that was about to burst out Indiana swiped off Twitter to her Instagram.
Officially she didn’t have any social media. It used to be one of the many rules she had to follow but her parents laid off after her 13th birthday but she valued her small areas of privacy. Indiana had many burner accounts across platforms to avoid unwanted attention. It didn’t mean she didn’t like to see what the public had decided to stir today.
Her Instagram was a different story.
On there she was known as @ neonnova. She was aware it wasn’t her best move but it had stuck as she uploaded small snippets of her art and murals. It had become a little community, following fellow street artists and other artistic figures Indiana could escape to her idea of paradise and fall into the world of art.
She worked quickly, already knowing her caption as Happy pulled into the Stark Tower as she hit post.
Her image showed her newest mural with the small description “At her fingertips”.
She was nowhere near popularity or being viral but her small group of followers were her only friends, quickly liking and commenting on her piece. It was the only thing that validated her, as sick as that may be.
If one person was touched by her art that would do for now. But her dreams broke from her box she’d been forced into and spread across the nation. Big names like Banksy and Jean-Michel Basquiat was where she was destined to be, she could feel it in her bones.
Indiana shoved her phone back into her jumper pocket and hopped out.
Happy and the young Stark headed to the elevator, Happy asking Friday to send them up. Friday’s familiar voice echoed back welcoming the both home.
It was a short ride to the penthouse where the Stark’s had made a home.
The elevator dinged lightly and opened to show the common room. Indiana could already smell dinner cooking. Muttering a quick thank you Indiana walked through the room.
She could spot her Mom over the stove humming softly to the radio Friday no doubt had running when Pepper entered the kitchen. She couldn’t spot Peter or her Dad but she suspected they were both in the lab, when were they not?
Just as Indiana quietly snuck into the hallway leading to her room her Mom’s voice rang across the space,
“Indie? Any success?”
Without turning Indiana continued her trek to her bedroom.
“Not today. Got all the good stuff last time.”
She didn’t wait for a reply as she shut her door behind her.
Her room was her safe space. The walls were almost completely covered in posters, memorabilia of her favourite gigs she had attended and some small murals bar the space for the floor to ceiling window.
She knew her Dad wouldn’t care, this would always be her space.
It was a tip. She didn’t bother cleaning, only she had to be there and anyone else was trespassing. Though Peter liked to sneak in when he could.
Passing her open door walk in closet Indiana headed to the bathroom to freshen up, removing any evidence of her escapades before dinner.
It was her little secret and if she could help it, she wouldn’t be sabotaging herself today. It was her little bit of freedom, her version of flying and no-one could take that from her if she could help it.