Amelie Stark – Bad Example
Amelie Stark – Bad Example
Tony was not happy.
Once I’d arrived in the lounge, he’d immediately launched into a lecture about avoiding danger, all the while poking and prodding me to check me over. I stood quietly, allowing him to release the worry he’d been holding onto.
“Explain to me the part where your instincts told you that running into danger was the most logical course of action. How exactly did you arrive to that conclusion? Do you have a death wish?”
The lecturing didn’t stop as he pulled me to the sofa, using Friday to assess for any hidden injuries. Nat was with us, watching silently from the kitchen as Tony bombarded me with questions, never once leaving a pause for me to actually answer. After he was sure I wasn’t going to spontaneously combust, Tony fell quiet, kneeling in-front of me as I waited. He stared at me, unsure if he’d finished his lecture.
Finally he pulled me into a tight hug, and I smiled as I hugged him back. “For god’s sake kid, don’t scare me like that.” He pushed away from me again, holding my shoulders firmly. “Can you even comprehend the amount of grief your mother would bury me in if something were to happen to you? Christ, what if something had happened!? Your mother would have my head!”
I smiled sheepishly. “No one should have to go through that trauma.”
He paused before laughing quietly, shaking me gently. “No they shouldn’t.”
Turning to Nat, my smile faltered. “Where’s Bruce?”
Tony stood up, launching straight into another conversation. “I’ve already got people working on the damage downstairs. Friday? They've started right? Think we can trust these guys?”
I stood and followed him to the kitchen. “Tony, come on. I can’t avoid him forever.”
“Uhh, yes you can. You can avoid everyone and everything. Might get a cosy little safe house set up for you in the basement. Friday? How long would that take?”
I rolled my eyes and turned to Nat. “He didn’t mean it. You know Bruce would never hurt anyone.”
Nat sighed as she glanced at Tony. “It’s not just that.” I looked between Tony and Nat as they silently debated. Tony broke first, huffing in irritation as he pushed away from the worktop. Nat turned to me. “The intruders got away and we're none the wiser as to who they are. Bruce feels responsible.”
I shook my head. “How could that be his fault?”
Tony put a hand to his chin, feign deliberating. “Huh, let’s see. Three Avengers in the vicinity who could have taken care of the intruders; one leaps out the window, one throws an epic temper tantrum, and the other is left chasing him around while he throws his toys out the pram.”
I glared at him. “You wouldn’t be so angry if I hadn’t been there.”
“Jeez kid, you’re my niece. It’s literally my job.”
“Well stop acting like an arse, you’re setting a bad example.”
Tony smirked slightly. “Watch your language.” I smiled, relieved.
Tony exhaled a long breath and surveyed the ceiling with disdain. “I suppose I can suffer through it, but you’d be wise not to expect any of my usual wit and charisma.” Nat and I shared an amused smile as we followed him out of the room.