Wanted

The door closed behind Tony as he left Bucky's apartment, the echo resonating through Anna's head with the finality of a judges' gavel...

She'd given Bucky a soft smile as she let go of his hand, standing up when Tony had.
"Give me 20 minutes to set up and talk to Pep, fill her in on everything..." He'd said, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, "you're in control of everything, okay? So try not to worry too much. You can change your mind at any point, and we'll only go ahead with your 'okay'" Tony added, keeping his voice low in a vain attempt to keep his reassurance just between them.

"Oh, and this is a private meeting, so no need to tag along" He'd turned to say to Bucky, giving a somewhat smug smile.
Bucky had let out an exasperated breath and given Tony a nod, Anna confirming that she'd be there before Tony rushed off.

The room was silent and still after Tony had left, Anna still standing with her eyes on the closed door, arms crossed as she hugged herself. She gathered herself up within seconds, letting out a breath as she peered down at her coffee mug, picking it up to rinse out, asking Bucky if he was done with his.

"You alright?" He asked, looking at her with a slight frown.
"Yeah, just gonna give these a rinse, thanks again for the coffee - and everything, really-"

Bucky stood up, watching her as she darted over to the kitchen and made herself busy washing the two cups, along with the other couple of things in the sink, placing them in the dish drainer.
"Got a tea-towel?" She asked after turning around, looking around the kitchen...

"Anna..." Bucky started, letting out a sigh as he approached her, making her swallow hard, a sheepish look on her face, "I know you're worried - and I'd feel exactly the same in your shoes"

She let a breath out and nodded, knowing he was right.
"Well... Somebody took my shoes" She joked with a shrug, Bucky giving a chuckle and a smile.
"What I was gonna ask, is that seeing as though you don't have to go anywhere for fifteen minutes, you wanna talk about it?" He asked, gesturing for her to sit at one of the bar stools under the counter.
"That's really sweet of you to offer-" she started hesitantly,
"-but?"
"-But... I've gotta learn to step up and deal with all this on my own" She said, "this tough chick from the streets of New York-"
"-Doesn't have to put up a front, because it's not fooling anyone..." He finished her sentence, catching her off guard, "I know you're tough, Anna. Nobody goes through what you did without a few scars to show for it. Believe me, I know what it's like to be on the run and have people coming for you..."

Anna nodded, taking in what he was saying...

"I also know what it's like to have your whole life turned upside-down. I went from hiding out, to being hunted down, to having my face plastered all over the news, too... It's scary as hell, but it helps to have someone there to talk to..." He added, cocking his head, Anna letting out a breath as she relented.

"You're actually amazing... Do you know that?" She said after a few moments, keeping her temptation to laugh to herself when she saw him get a little embarrassed.
"I'm not..."
"You are. Seriously..." She said, looking down for a moment, "there's not too many people out there like you"
"Yeah and that would be a good thing - trust me on that" he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Enough about me... Sit your butt down and talk" he said, clearing his throat, Anna nodding and doing as she was told, "spill"

She frowned a little, looking down again for a moment before she had the courage to make eye contact again, swallowing hand before she spoke up.

"Do you think I'm doing the right thing here?" She asked, Bucky staying quiet for a few moments in thought, "I mean it's all well and good to tell the media to shove it, but is the price I'm paying gonna be worth it?"
"...Given the circumstances, I think it's probably the best option..." He said, somewhat reluctantly.
"You sure?" she asked, not completely satisfied with how uncertain he came off, "...If I was your long lost daughter, what would you want me to do?" she asked, Bucky screwing up his face suddenly with a look that was both disgusted and somewhat amused.

"Not... Daughter" He started, shaking his head and raising his hands, "we've shared a bed"

Anna let out an involuntary giggle before quickly looking away, mortified.

"Oh my god" She muttered, shaking her head at the awkwardness, "...You know what I mean - if I was someone important to you, what would you want me to do?"

Bucky opened his mouth to speak, and quickly stopped himself, Anna frowning as she tried to work him out... He blew out a breath as he gathered himself up, and pushed his hair back off his face before he started again.
"I'd want to keep you safe..." He started, "I'd want to lock you up and throw away the key..." He added, Anna's expression going from fairly neutral to slightly disturbed.
"-NOT literally..." He said, putting his hands up defensively "that's no way to live - trust me, I know... You need your happiness and your freedom, and I want that for you, too... But that's what my first urge would be - to protect you" He admitted with a shrug.
"Great..." She said, annoyed.
"I haven't finished" He added quickly, Anna raising her brows as she awaited the rest of his answer "the reality of the situation is that you're Tony Stark's daughter, and he's in the public eye. Whatever happens, you're here long term until we figure out who's been chasing you and why, and you may be here even longer if this whole 'being a family' thing works out... Which I really hope it does. For both of you..." He continued, Anna nodding thoughtfully as he spoke.

"As much as I hate to admit it, I think Tony's doing the right thing by you, and I think that confirming your identity is probably lesser evil of the two - not by much - but yeah, it is what it is..."

Anna nodded again nervously, looking down as she processed everything, Bucky ducking his head to catch her attention.
"So you're definitely sure?" She asked meekly, looking up at him again, "and it won't cause any trouble for you with all the court stuff?"

"As sure as I can be..." He said with a smile that she couldn't help return, "sorry if that's not very reassuring..."
"No, it's fine" She said with a slight chuckle.

"My case is long over and done with, and I was cleared of all my charges... So all good on that front as well..."
"I'll tell them you looked after me" She said, Bucky giving her a smile.
"You don't have to do that - you just worry about you - this isn't about anyone else" He said, Anna nodding in agreement.

"Listen to Pepper, Tony's right about her - she knows her stuff. She did a lot to help my cause, despite how Tony felt about me and everything I'd done... She's an incredible woman... I suppose she has to be to put up with him" Bucky said with a chuckle, Anna giving a smile as she tried her hardest not to laugh.

"Being a pain in the ass obviously runs in the family" She joked, Bucky letting out a 'pfft' as he frowned.
"Enough of that" he scolded her, "You're just in a shitty situation, but you're taking control of it - you should be proud of yourself"
"Thanks Buck"
"Don't mention it"
"No, really... I appreciate it a whole lot"



Anna made her way down the hallway alone, arms crossed and eyes down until she passed a familiar set of glass doors.

Okay, there's the lab... Should be the next door on the right...

She slowed down as she approached a big white set of double-doors, a little surprised that they were the same as all the other residential quarters - rather than made from gold or encrusted with diamonds... The thought of it making her giggle.

She let out a 'here goes' breath as she raised her fist to knock, Friday, the A.I system beating her to it and audibly welcoming her before unlocking the door.
"Please come in, and make yourself comfortable Miss Pierce. Mr Stark will be with you shortly"
"Uh... Thank you"

She stepped in, closing the door behind her. Peering around the room, she was surprised for a second time when she realised it was almost identical to hers, save for a black glass feature wall along one side.
Anna crossed her arms, making her way into the centre of the room, hoping that Tony would appear so she didn't feel like she was in the middle of a break and enter.

She turned around, letting her eyes explore the room while she waited, smiling a little at the miniature 'iron man' figurine on the bench top. By the time she turned to face the glass wall again, it was clear.

Oh wow...

Her eyes lit up, taking in the lab on the other side of the glass, machines busily building something, holographic screens lit up and of course, the wall of suits...
To the left, against the side window of the building was a spacious office with a very expensive looking desk, a pretty woman with strawberry-blonde hair standing up from her seat. She gave Anna a big, welcoming smile and gestured towards the glass door between Tony's room and the lab.
Anna smiled and gave a nod as she headed over, the door opening up automatically for her. Tony stood up from the big leather 'L shaped' couch to welcome her into the office, Anna stepping in shyly.

"It's so nice to meet you Anna, I'm Pepper" the woman introduced herself, stepping over with a hand out which Anna shook, "You do kinda look alike!" She exclaimed, her eyes darting between Anna and Tony.

"You're much prettier than him though" She joked quietly, lightening the mood a little.
"Pfft, only just!" Tony sassed back, giving Anna a wink as she giggled at him.

Anna let out a breath as she tucked her hair behind her ear, Tony gesturing at the couch on the other side of the office for her to sit.

"Would you like a coffee, Anna?" Pepper offered
"Yes please, that'd actually be great"
"Tony, would take care of that?"
"Oh... Uh.." Anna started, suddenly feeling uncomfortable,

"It's no trouble" Tony assured her, "Machine's just in the lab... Another one, Pep?"
"Yes please"
"I'll be right back"

Anna watched him get up and head out of the office, the door closing behind him leaving Pepper and her alone.

"A.I lockout, Friday, code black" Pepper said calmly, Anna suddenly feeling trapped when the directive was confirmed with the familiar beep. She peered over her shoulder, making eye contact with Tony who smiled over to her from the coffee machine.

Anna clenched her jaw and tried her best not to look worried as she turned back to Pepper.

"Don't be nervous, Anna... I was just ensuring our meeting stays private" She said reassuringly, "Tony's right there, and he's been in full 'protective Dad mode' since the day you arrived"
"I didn't even think he liked me initially?"
"He didn't know you, but that said - the parental instincts kicked in pretty quickly and he would have used me as a human shield to keep you safe" Pepper chuckled, Anna joining in, the tension between them dissipating.

"So... how are you holding up with everything?" Pepper asked, her voice soft and kind.
"I, uh... Don't even know where to start" Anna answered honestly, Pepper giving her an understanding smile.

"Is the family connection part, or the media leak part bothering you more?"
"The family connection part doesn't 'bother' me as such... I guess it's just a bit of a mind blower more than anything"
"I can only imagine..."
"I've seen the DNA reports, but I just don't believe it yet... Well I do, but I don't... That doesn't make any sense..." She frowned, babbling nervously.

Pepper's expression was still understanding and kind, nodding as she took in Anna's words.
"It makes perfect sense, trust me" She said reassuringly, Anna looking up and smiling back at her, albeit weakly.
"The media leak part is terrifying, mainly because I've been in hiding for so long, and now it's like I'm being forced out... I don't have a choice in it"
"I get where you're coming from, but just so you know - the decision is ultimately yours..."
"Well not really - because if it comes out down the track, then that only makes things 100 times worse... I don't want to make anything harder on Tony - he's done so much for me already..."

Pepper let out a breath as she scooted closer to Anna, making eye contact with her.

"Anna, if you don't want to do this - just say the word, and I'll bury the whole damn thing. Nobody is better at this P.R thing than me - you'd be shocked at the amount of 'Tony Stark' scandals that have never seen the light of day since I've been in charge..." She said with a proud grin.

Anna nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear as she looked back over her shoulder, watching Tony approaching with a coffee cup in each hand.
She let out a breath as he stepped in the door and handed her a mug, Anna thanking him as she clutched it tightly, finding comfort in its warmth.

"So! Ready to get this show on the road?" Tony beamed, sounding far too upbeat, Anna holding a laugh back, "What have we got for lunch?"

Pepper looked over her shoulder, spotting a covered silver tray on the desk, getting up to bring it over. She set it down on the coffee table and lifted the lid before sitting down.
"Perfect" Tony smiled, reaching over to pick up the three neatly stacked plates on the corner of the tray, handing Pepper and Anna one each.

The last thing Anna felt like doing was eating, but to avoid being rude she reached over and picked up one of the gourmet wraps and a napkin, and sat them on her plate. She tucked into hers when she saw Pepper and Tony doing the same, the three of them politely chit-chatting while they ate.

"Is that all you're having?" Tony asked when he finished his and reached for another, Anna nodding with a hand up.
"That was beautiful, but I couldn't eat another bite... Thank you so much though!"
"You sure?"
"I'm sure" She smiled politely, reaching for her coffee mug again.

Pepper pulled out her laptop, opening it up and sitting it on the coffee table while it booted up. She finished her wrap, keeping an eye on the screen until a little musical chime told her it was up and running.

"Okay..." she started, sitting the computer on her knees as she signed in, and started typing, "I really wish I didn't have to rush you guys on this, but if we're burying, the response has to be immediate for it to be credible... And if we're confirming, well - the quicker the better to show that we're the ones taking control, rather than being backed into a corner..." Pepper started with an apologetic tone to her voice.
"It's not your fault" Anna smiled, giving a nod to show she understood.

"Did you think about it any more?" Tony asked, looking over at Anna as he took another bite.
"I did..."
"Or did Barnes try and change your mind?"
"No, he actually agreed with you" She said with a shrug, Tony's face lighting up in disbelief.
"Oh, well maybe he does have a brain after all..."

"Tony..." Pepper scolded, "Not helpful..."
"He's a lot smarter than you give him credit for" Anna said, looking up at Tony who put his hands up apologetically at the two women who were clearly offended by his dig at Bucky.
"Apologies..." Tony muttered, quick to change the subject, "So what were your final thoughts on the matter, Anna?"

Anna let out a breath, as if gathering the courage to take the plunge that would change her life forever...
"I still think we should do it... Just so long as I can still lay low while I figure everything out... Is that okay?"
"Of course" Tony and Pepper said simultaneously.
"We can play the 'please respect our privacy while we bond' card, can't we?" Tony asked Pepper, who nodded enthusiastically.
"Absolutely" she answered, "That's probably the best way to go about it actually, as it shows that you guys are in this for the long haul. It shows compassion, unity, strength, and you get your privacy as well..."

"That sounds good" Anna smiled, feeling a little more relaxed, Tony agreeing.

"What angle are we gonna take as far as how you came to be... Here?" Pepper asked carefully, Tony and Anna lancing at each other for a moment...

"Well, how about the truth?" Anna asked.
"How much of the truth do you want to tell?" Pepper asked, "In publicity, there's usually 'the whole truth' and then there's the 'publically released truth'..." She explained, Tony stiffening in his seat a little.

"What's wrong with putting the whole truth out there?" Anna asked, "It's not like anyone in our camp did anything wrong... Tony didn't know about me, and I didn't know about him... Bucky followed a lead and found me working in a bar-" she continued before Tony cut her off.
"-The public doesn't need to know you were being targeted, that will only validate their cause..."
"He's right" Pepper chimed in, Anna glancing between them, "and it makes Barnes look secretive"
"Well he kinda was"

Anna sucked in a breath, suddenly feeling stressed all over again...
"Okay, what's the story then?" she asked, fiddling with her rings nervously.

There were a few moments of silence before Pepper spoke up, Anna and Tony listening intently.

"Alright... How about we 'fess up about you being a teenage runaway, and the fact that your existence was very recently known to shield - by total fluke, and that exact story is confidential" She started... "Barnes was sent to monitor you, due to there being some top secret activity going on in the area... And when things got a little 'too close for comfort', he brought you in, at which point Tony was told, and the rest is history?"

The room was quiet for a few moments as the three of them exchanged glances, Tony nodding in approval, followed by Anna.

"Sounds plausible"
"Well, that's because it's pretty much exactly what happened..." Pepper smiled.
"Pretty much" Anna agreed.

"Just one thing though - why would I not know about her if shield did - and Barnes be the one sent in?" Tony asked, "You'd think I'd be the first to know..."
"Well, you can either say that 'there were tests pending', or that Barnes was on his own mission, or even better - 'that's confidential'... All acceptable reasons"
"Can we keep the kidnapping at gunpoint thing on the down-low, possibly?" Anna chimed in, Pepper chuckling as she nodded.
"Of course... We can say that he 'persuaded you' to go with him"
"And if they ask how?" Anna asked.
"You can deflect the question by laughing and saying something like 'well we didn't sleep together, if that's what you're asking!'" Pepper laughing, Anna joining in.

They both glanced at Tony, sitting in silence, the color having drained out of his face. "I didn't hear that..." he said, shaking his head.

"Seriously, humor is a great deflection" Pepper explained, if they continue to press it, you can always say something like 'you'll save that story for another time' or 'that's confidential' - they legally can't question someone in the military, or shield, or any government security sector if you mutter those words... Although the humor deflection is usually the best way to go - it gets them on your side, it embarrasses the person asking personal questions - especially during a press conference, and quite honestly, it's endearing to see a little personality shine through"

"Makes sense" Anna mused aloud, "So about the DNA thing - did I know beforehand?"
"Keep everything else honest. You can say Barnes told you, you didn't believe him, but agreed to submit to a test which revealed your identity... The more truthful you are - the easier it is to stick to your story. You weren't legally adopted by Alexander, so you don't technically have to mention him at all... But if it comes out, it comes out... As for your mothers' identity, you can just say that that's currently confidential while you're working a few things out..."

"So we're pretty much telling the truth about everything except Bucky 'kidnapping' me, Alexander Pierce, and me being targeted by whoever it is that's after me?" Anna asked, confirming the details.
"Yep, the key is to keep anything security-related on a 'need to know' basis" Pepper explained, "So are you both happy with that?"

Anna and Tony nodded, both agreeing with everything while pepper typed a little more into her laptop.

"Okay, so I can have a press conference scheduled for this afternoon, all the major newspapers and TV networks will be there, and a few of the more reputable magazines-"
"-Wait, I have to get up in front of all those people?" Anna asked, panic in her voice.
"No!" Pepper chuckled, "That's Tony's job..."
"Oh thank god..."
"If it goes ahead, it will be in the conference room on the ground floor, and you'll be on the other side of the compound in your room. You can even drop the blinds and hide out if you like..." Pepper said.
"What if they ask where I am?"
"That would come under the 'need to know' basis, I think" Tony chimed in, "I've got that one covered" He added with a wink.

"So did you want to go ahead with this, definitely?" Pepper confirmed, sitting up, "One click of this mouse, and everything changes..."

Anna gritted her teeth, taking a last moment to consider everything before nodding.
"Do it" She said, glancing over at Tony "so long as you're happy to 'come out' as a Dad?"
"Absolutely" he said back with a genuine smile.

Pepper clicked the mouse button on the keyboard of her laptop, the three of them staying silent, sipping their coffee. The screen started lighting up with return emails less than a minute later with conformations coming through hard and fast...

"Well, miss... If you should change your mind, you've got until 4pm to do it" Tony said, Anna nodding, a little intimidated already at the amount of replies filling Pepper's inbox..."




Anna hugged the cushion to her chest as she curled up on Tony's sofa, waiting in front of the flat screen for the press conference to come on. She sipped at a cup of green tea, glancing around the room, relieved that the blinds were down and she was reasonably safe.
Bucky had sent her a text to check in, and she'd been nonchalant in her reply - something which she wasn't sure whether he'd picked up on or not. The honest truth was that she was completely overwhelmed. She was nervous, uncertain, and completely terrified of what may come of all this - for her, and everyone else.

The screen lit up, showing Tony casually sitting on what looked like a high bar stool up the front of a room, with a microphone in hand. He was dressed in a suit, with lightly tinted glasses - looking around the room with a smug look on his face.
Anna swallowed hard, lifting her feet so she was sitting up, cross legged on the couch as she watched...

Here we go...

"Hey everyone" Tony started, "long time no see - well, for some of you..."

"So you all got the email from Ms Potts this afternoon, calling you all here to address the rumors that I have some 'secret illegitimate adult daughter' living here..."

Cameras flashed in the foreground, and more microphones than Anna could count were being held up at the bottom of the screen...

"The truth is..." he said, followed by what she was sure was a dramatic pause, "I do have a daughter... I'm a Dad"

Camera shutters went crazy, followed by the waving of microphones and a room full of people yelling over the top of one and other, trying to have their questions heard and answered.
A big part of Anna felt awful for Tony being up there alone, copping the wrath of the media alone, but going from his expression, he seemed like it was just all in a day's work and he wasn't bothered one bit by it...
The noise from the reporters and cameras carried on for a while, until Tony raised his hand, the room obediently falling silent as if they all knew the drill.

"You in the front" he said patiently, pointing to a young, brunette woman who's hand was politely raised.

"Mr Stark, did you know about her existence, were there any suspicions that you'd fathered a child over the years?"
"No, and no..." He answered, "It was a complete surprise to me - a welcome one - but no I had no idea whatsoever that I had a kid out there all these years..."

More cameras and noise.

"dark haired guy in the red sweater" Tony pointed another reporter out.
"What was her upbringing like, was it financially privileged like yours? Is her mother still on the scene?"
"From what I know, which is still very little at this early stage, she did grow up in an environment where money wasn't a problem... I don't know much about her 'upbringing' as such, and her mother hasn't been on the scene for some time"
"Who is her mother?"
"That's confidential"

"Green jacket, third row"
"Mr Stark, did her mother know that you were the father? Did she ever try to contact you? "
"I don't know a whole lot as I'm still piecing the story together myself, so at this stage I really can't say if she knew or not... She did not try and contact me, but I wish she had..."

"Yes, blonde in the back"
"Mr Stark, what's her name, does she look like you, and does she have any of your traits?"
"Her name is Annabelle, we call her Anna... Ms Potts seems to think she looks like a 'prettier' version of me'" He joked, the room laughing, more cameras flashing...
"We're still getting to know each other, but so far she seems honest, kind, resilient, and is an advocate for others... Good sense of humor, too... She's a good kid"

"Blue jacket"
"Mr Stark, how did she come to be here with you at Avengers HQ? Did she know you were her father, has she sought out any financial aid or compensation from you?"

The cameras went crazy, catching Tony's expression go from neutral to a little offended...
"First of all, there's been NO mention of money, compensation, aid, or anything else, so let's just lay that one straight out on the table..." he started, "secondly, and I can only tell you what's not considered confidential, she was brought in when there was suspicious activity going on in her area that shield were monitoring..."
"Did shield know her identity?"
"Not completely, but it was suspected - only within hours of her extraction, which I can't elaborate on... It was later confirmed to both us and her with testing back here on base... She was just as shocked as I was" He chuckled.

More camera flashes, shutters and noise...

"Guy in the vest"
"Mr Stark, will Annabelle be living on the base full time? Will you have an ongoing relationship with her?"
"Her living arrangements are confidential, but yes I will be as present in her life as she'd like me... We get along pretty well so far"

"Blonde up front"
"Mr Stark, how did Shield come to suspect Annabelle was your daughter? What was the nature of the situation that she was extracted from, was she threatened? Did someone else know you were her father?"

Tony sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"That's all confidential... Anyone else?"



Anna watched as the questioning continued, Tony staying diplomatic, and neither confirming or denying anything that could bite him, the avengers OR her in the ass. Much to her relief, Bucky wasn't mentioned at all, nor was her former name or location, Jacob Nester OR Alexander Pierce, which surprised her. Instead of offering the press her surname or story, he said that Anna would discuss that when she was ready, and he didn't plan to rush her.

Phew...

He also played the 'please respect our privacy while we get to know each other' card like a pro, most of the reporters lapping up his soft, compassionate side.
He ended the press conference with a promise to be in touch again soon, along with a firm warning that any unauthorized photos would come with punishment to the full extent of the law - and then some.

Go Tony!

He was back in his room within minutes, striding in with a victorious expression on his face. Anna stood up to greet him, not exactly sure what to say as she'd never seen a press conference before.
Tony slowed to a stop in front of her, giving her a kind smile, his expression softening.

"So it's out..." He started, Anna nodding as she let a nervous sigh out, "We're back in the power seat"
"And it went well? It looked like it went well, but I've never seen a meeting like that before-"
"-It went well" He said, cutting her off gently, Anna smiling as she looked up at him, "I answered everything I could without giving anything 'sensitive' away, and Pepper's in there now wrapping up and having everyone escorted out..."
"What's she wrapping up?"
"She has to give your statement out, as well as one from herself as the CEO of Stark enterprises... There's a few legal things, dotting the i's and crossing the t's..."

Anna nodded, feeling her phone buzz in her pocket.

"Okay, and then what happens?" Anna asked, her face full of uncertainty.
"You'll be breaking news within the hour, I'd imagine..." He started, "Then I guess the magazines will start bidding against one and other for your picture and story, so we'll have to work that out... But the beauty of you being here, is that you're in full control of all of that. Not many celebrities have that luxury..."

Anna cringed when he said the word 'celebrity', Tony suppressing his amusement.

"So when is it safe to go back to my room? I suppose it wouldn't be any good running into anyone..." She asked.
"You can go back whenever you like, they're on the ground level floor, and the blinds have been dropped down that whole side of the base until they're gone" He smiled, Anna perking up a little.
"Oh, wow... All of them?"
"Yeah, that way they couldn't work out what room you were in or sneak any photos. Some of them don't listen to threats until it's too late"
"But that photo of me-"
"Has been wiped from existence, and the person responsible has been charged and reprimanded"
"It's only been a couple of hours..."
"You forget who I am..." He chuckled, raising his brows, Anna swallowing hard.

"You couldn't tell which room it was, anyway. It was zoomed right in and grainy as all hell." He said with a shrug, "You're safe here, that's a promise.

They parted ways with a tight hug, Anna thanking him for everything, and Tony offering for her to stay for dinner which she politely declined. He promised to check in with her later, and let her know when anything came up on the news which she was grateful for.

The walk back to her room was a quick one, Anna keeping her head down, and surprisingly, she didn't run into Bucky in the hallway which she was half-expecting to. She swiped her card, pushing her door open just wide enough for her to squeeze in before pushing it closed again.

She blew out a breath, both hands still flat against the door, head down and eyes closed.

"Get it together" She whispered, scolding herself.

Anna straightened up, gritting her teeth as she turned, walking over to the kitchen and pulling a bottle of water from the fridge. She took a long drink, pausing for a moment to pop two Advils before taking another long drink from the bottle.

"TV on please, Friday" She said aloud as she put the water bottle back and pulled her shoes off one by one.
"Any particular channel Miss Pierce?"
"Any chance of having the major news channels on screen together?"
"Certainly, Miss Pierce"
"Thank you"

She wandered into her bedroom, pulling her sweater off over her head as she made her way in.

Hot shower, dress, and wait for the news broadcast.

She nodded, agreeing with herself as she gently pulled a drawer out, picking out a change of comfortable clothes. Her shower was brief, Anna letting the hot stream of water wash the stress away, the scent of vanilla and coconut filling the room.

She dried her wet hair, tying it up in a messy bun before dressing and checking herself in the bathroom mirror.

"Yoga pants, thick socks, and an oversize knit sweater... You look like a cast member of flash dance, but at least you're comfortable..." She chuckled, throwing her old clothes in the hamper. Her phone vibrated on the counter top, letting out a loud buzzing noise which caught her attention.

Tony, 5.39pm
Just gotten word that the story is about to air on NBC

Anna, 5.39pm
Thank you! x

Tony, 5.40pm
No problem, let me know if you need anything x

Anna hurried over to the couch, curling up in the corner as she asked Friday to bring NBC up on the screen with sound. She checked her phone while she waited, remembering that it buzzed earlier, revealing a lovely message from Steve asking how she was. She smiled to herself, thumbing back a reply that she was doing well, along with thanks for checking in.

"Breaking news story tonight - Tony Stark, Iron Man himself, is a father!" Came the voice of one very excited news reporter on the screen, catching Anna's attention, "Rumors began to circulate earlier today from an unknown source, Tony taking the opportunity to address them personally in a press conference this afternoon."

"The truth is, I do have a daughter... I'm a Dad..." Came Tony's voice as a clip from the conference was shown.

"Tony's daughter 'Anna' is staying at the compound while they get to know each other, reports saying she was removed from a situation that was being monitored by Shield. Of course we don't have details on that, but we're bound to receive more information in the coming days..."

"Anna says 'This week has been an absolute whirlwind, I'm still getting my head around everything, but everyone here has been wonderful. There are a few amazing people here who I can't thank enough for their compassion and support - Tony being one of them"

"Asked when we'll get to speak to Anna personally, Mr Stark has simply stated that 'when we're ready, you'll be the first to know'... He has asked for their privacy to be respected while they get to know each other, Tony keen to have the best relationship with his long-lost daughter as possible."
"More on this story as it unfolds, now for some clips from this afternoon's press conference"


I guess it's real now... I'm headline news... Buckle up buttercup, things are about to change around here...