ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <meta content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" http-equiv="content-type"> <title>Fairy Tale 2: Metamorphosis - Rated PG-13</title> <meta name="keywords" content="fanfiction, Cincoflex, Iron Man, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts"> </head> <body style="background-image: url(http://www.cincoflex.net/images/imbg2.jpg); margin-left: 107px; width: 910px;"> &nbsp;<br style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial;"><big><br> <br> <br> </big></span></b> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; font-family: Arial;"><big> Chapter Two<br> <br> <br> <img style="width: 640px; height: 366px;" alt="" src="http://www.cincoflex.net/images/fairy2b.jpg"><br> <br> </big></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div> <b style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: Arial;"><big> <br> </big></span></b> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><big><big><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br> <br> The widescreen filled almost one entire wall of the birthing room, and Pepper was embarrassed at the size of it, but arguing with Tony about the matter was useless. He d insisted on the best for her, and everyone at the hospital was more than willing to accommodate the man who forked over those huge charitable donations on a yearly basis.<br /><br />Currently Pepper was watching Uhura cuddling a tribble, and dreading Tony s return from the cafeteria down on the second floor. Already she had more juice and bottled water sitting around than she could ever hope to consume, but it seemed to be the only errand that could pry the man from her side.<br /><br />Pepper patted her belly once more.  So, can we speed this up a little now? Your father is really bad at waiting, and to be honest, I m sort of ready for you to be born myself. <br /><br />She sensed little from the baby, and figure it was probably sleeping. Pepper wished <i>she</i> could sleep, but between the monitors, the odd little hospital noises and hovering anxious Tony, it was fairly impossible. On the screen, the lovefest with the tribbles continued, and Pepper was just getting into the episode again when Tony surged through the doorway, arms full of bottles.<br /><br /> You re okay? <br /><br /> I m fine. <br /><br /> Didn t have the baby while I was gone? <br /><br /> No, Pepper assured him.  I held back for those three minutes. <br /><br />Tony made a face as he set the bottles down, crowding them with the others on the bedside table.  Okay, I deserved that, but seriously, Pepper birth needs to be streamlined; made more efficient. All this waiting around is counterproductive. <br /><br /> Tony, she warned him as he sat on the bed near her hip.  It s biology, not engineering. You can t produce babies the way you produce durable goods. There are finite time requirements. <br /><br /> I m not talking pre-production, he argued.  I m good with the nine months thing, even though you two are jumping the gun right now. No, I m talking actual delivery of the finished product. Speeding up the end of the assembly line, as it were. <br /><br /> Currently that would require drugs or surgery, Pepper replied with a sigh.  And neither one is feasible or necessary right now. Paaa-tience, Mr. Stark. <br /><br />He made a moue.  I m patient. Completely patient. I ve been patient for <i>hours</i> now. <br /><br />The look Pepper shot him was withering, and Tony bit his lip. She groaned a moment later, and he took her hand, checking his watch quickly.  Seven sixteen. Last one was what? Nine minutes ago? <br /><br /> S-something like that, Pepper chuffed, gritting her teeth. They rode it out together for the long seconds, and when she released his hand, Tony rubbed his eyes.<br /><br /> Inefficient, he grumbled.<br /><br />Pepper flashed him a weary smile and shifted her attention to the TV, where Kirk was being buried in tribbles.  Oh, I d <i>love</i> that, she sighed. <br /><br />Tony looked up.  Being buried in little furballs? <br /><br /> They re not furballs, they re tribbles. They d be all soft and comfortable and warm, like a living blanket. Like being in a pile of kittens, Pepper murmurs.  Kittens with no claws, who coo. <br /><br />Tony cocked his head, staring at the screen.  That gives me an idea . . . <br /><br /> What idea? Pepper demanded, instantly suspicious. Tony s ideas had a bad habit of getting out of hand, and right now wasn t a good time for him to go into some sort of design trance---<br /><br /><i>Or,</i> she admitted to herself impishly, <i>maybe it was.</i> He was scrabbling around like a dog, and Pepper knew he was looking for pen and paper. Before he could start scribbling on the back of her chart, she handed him a pen.  Here. <br /><br /> Thanks, came his preoccupied murmur, and quiet reigned for a while as Pepper s white bed sheets filled up with notes, equations and lists. She rode through a few more contractions, content to have Tony nearby, but busy.<br /><br />*** *** ***<br /><br />He could hardly speak, which for him was rare. Tony wasn t one often at a loss for words, but the last hour, coming on the heels of nearly two days of waiting and pacing and sketching and planning and <i>pushing</i> was simply, nearly, too much.<br /><br />Tony looked at his hands; at the warm, lavender blanket-wrapped package in them. Small squashed face topped with silky wisps of black hair under the cap. Button nose; impossibly small mouth opening in a kitten yawn; pink chin.<br /><br /> Max, he whispered.  Maxibillion James Potts, but really--Stark. <br /><br /> Maximillian, Pepper murmured in correction. She had her eyes closed, resting. The room was quiet; even the full screen TV was off now and the nurses and doctor had gone.<br /><br /> I m a billionaire, so it stands to reason he d be Maxibillion, Tony countered in a low, distracted voice.  I will, however, settle for <i>your</i> spelling on the birth certificate. Oh Pepper, he s excellent. Fantastic work all round. <br /><br />She dimpled, not opening her eyes, but one hand slid over to touch Tony s thigh reassuringly.  I started with quality materials at least from the contributing donor. <br /><br />Tony brought the baby up to his chest and lightly stroked his cheek; Max squirmed, trying to follow the feel of the finger against his skin.  The quality all comes from <i>you</i> my moth-winged love. He s got your ears. Not sure about the nose yet let s hope he gets yours and not mine. <br /><br /> Mmmm, came her tired murmur.  Have you called Mab and Rhodey yet? <br /><br /> I m sure Mab knows, Tony sighed, looking at the bouquets and baskets of flowers around the room.  She doesn t miss much on the radar, and this event is kind of a biggie. <br /><br /> It would still be nice if you called her yourself and let her know about Max s birth, Pepper murmured, sitting up and reaching for the baby. <br /><br />Reluctantly Tony handed his son back.  I didn t even get a full turn with him. <br /><br /> Wait until it s diaper-changing time, Pepper smiled.  Then Max can be all yours. <br /><br /> I m excused from diaper-changing, Tony teased.  I have a note. <br /><br /> Right, she smirked at him and cuddled the baby up to her.  Now shoo, Tony, before someone from the hospital leaks your presence. I m a single mother, remember? <br /><br /> Like hell, he grumbled, and rose slowly, looking at Pepper with the baby along her chest.  Pepper . . . <br /><br /> I know, I know you re only going along with this because you love me and I love you <i>for</i> it, she replied in a low voice.  But stick to the plan, Tony. I need you to do that. For the three of us. <br /><br />He blinked and nodded, then bent closer to kiss Pepper, lingering a moment before shifting to brush his lips over his son s forehead.<br /><br />Max yawned again, little pink mouth wide for a moment.<br /><br />*** *** ***<br /><br /> Boy, seven pounds, nine ounces, twenty-two inches long, Tony bragged on the phone to Rhodey.  Damn it, he s <i>perfect,</i> Platypus. Completely perfect! <br /><br /> Congratulations, Tony! came the cheerful whoop from the other end of the line.  How s Pepper? <br /><br /> Came through it in flying colors, Tony praised, tucking the phone between his ear and shoulder. He was barefoot in the workshop, hands busily flying over the holographic design engine, working with what appeared to be geodesic domes. Moving swiftly, his fingers danced through a few changes, shifting the shapes down until they were baseball-sized.<br /><br /> That s great! Rhodey replied.  So it s still <i>her</i> baby, huh? <br /><br /> Yeah, don t remind me, Tony sighed. He adjusted some of the components on the design again, and typed in a query for non-allergenic synthetic fur.<br /> <br />/Colors?/ the computer demanded.<br /><br /> Baby boy compatible, Tony murmured.<br /> <br /> What? Rhodey asked.<br /><br /> Nothing. Listen, you re going to go see her, right? Get pictures, man. I completely forgot, and I m not allowed to go see Pepper and Max until tonight, but I want something ASAP. Send  em as soon as you take them, okay? <br /><br /> Will do, Rhodey agreed,  fatherhood never thought I d see the day you got into that, Tony. I think it s going to be good for you. <br /><br /> Me too, Tony agreed.  Me too. And keep in mind it s one more thing that <i>I ve</i> done first. Need to keep up, Platypus. <br /><br />Rhodey said a few bad words, laughing as he did so, and Tony grinned, hanging up the phone. His gaze drifted around the room and focused in on the sofa.<br /><br />More specifically, the penguin sitting on the sofa.<br /><br /> What are <i>you</i> doing here? he demanded, hitting the last command on the design program. Instantly a series of machines and gears sprang to life across the workshop, moving in synchronous harmony. Tony stepped around the computer table and strode over to the sofa, picking up Augie and staring at him.  I thought you were upstairs, making moves I would rather not know about on my childhood companion. <br /><br />The stuffed plushie said nothing, and Tony sighed, setting him down again.  Eh, who am I to knock true love, right? As long as you make her happy, I won t have to accidently donate you to the Salvation Army. <br /><br />Tony glanced over at the machinery that was efficiently assembling his latest design, and spoke softly.  Estimated assembly time, Jarvis? <br /><br /> Two hours. Finished product is contingent on acceptable acrylic covering, came the prompt response.<br /><br />Tony gave a nod, yawned, and dropped himself heavily on the sofa, nearly knocking the plushie off. He stretched out.  Nap. Then back to the hospital. Jarvis, wake me in two hours. <br /><br /> With unbridled delight, sir. <br /><br />*** *** ***<br /><br />His toes were amazing, Pepper decided. And his little fingers. She d spent a good deal of time playing with both, and from her perspective, Max was nothing short of perfection, albeit with pink, wrinkly sort of beauty.<br /> <br />Pepper had never spent much time with infants. She d babysat in her youth, and had held and played with the children of friends and cousins, but in the last several years her contacts with anything this adorably sweet had been limited. She figured she was biased about the  adorably sweet part, but when Max let his wandering gaze pass over her, and his little bow mouth pursed up, Pepper felt a welling deep inside that threatened to bring tears.<br /><br /> You are my baby-do, and I love you, Pepper whispered softly as she picked her son up and brought him to her shoulder. Max squirmed. She laughed, cradling him closer and luxuriating in the clean, soft scent of his skin. Carefully Pepper ran her fingers down his tiny shoulder blades, feeling them through the blue onesie he wore.<br /> <br />She wondered what Max s wings would be like. There was no doubt he d sprout them, Pepper knew; the genetics guaranteed it. Carefully she shifted her son and laid him down on the folded blanket, moving to check his diaper.<br /><br />They d been at the mansion for three days now, and were settling into a routine of sorts, albeit far different from that of other mothers and newborns, certainly. Pepper knew other new mothers didn t have an automated house AI, two robots and a hovering, fascinated partner.<br /><br />Well, some probably had the latter, she acknowledged to herself, although precious few of <i>those</i> were billionaire geniuses.<br /><br /> Is he wet? came Tony s concerned voice, breaking into her thoughts. He had come up the stairs from the workshop quietly, watching them both.<br /> <br />Pepper didn t look away from Max, and carefully undid the diaper, peeking in quickly.  Nope. <br /><br /> Ah, the obvious relief in his voice made her smirk as she redid the tapes along Max s skinny hips.<br /><br /> I <i>know</i> you, Mr. Stark. You want your son to unload when his Godmother arrives, Pepper sighed.  Just to gross her out. <br /><br /> I do not, he muttered in a tone that indicated Pepper had hit the nail on the head.  But if Max decides to make his . . . opinions . . . known when the old bat is shows up, who am I to stop him? <br /><br /> Stop looking hopeful and find a nicer shirt to wear, Pepper chided him.  Please. <br /><br />Tony slipped around the sofa and scooted in, reaching for the baby.  Tell you what--<i>you</i> go pick one out and I ll keep an eye on the Wild Thing while you do. We have man stuff to talk about. <br /><br /> Man stuff, Pepper scoffed, rising to hide her grin.  As IF. <br /><br /> Man stuff, Tony reiterated with dignity.  No moms allowed. He lifted Max up and cradled him, the action still slightly awkward, and looked towards Pepper, pointing with his chin.  Go on pick out my clothes, the way I know you <i>want</i> to. <br /><br />She rolled her eyes and moved off, leaving Tony to look down at his son. Max sucked on one of his tiny fists, quiet for the moment, and Tony waited until Pepper was out of the room before leaning back and bringing the baby closer up against his shoulder.  Hey. So . . . I know it s going to be a while since we really have to consider this, but I just wanted you to know that there s <i>no</i> pressure to go to MIT. Cal Tech is just fine, and your mom would probably prefer it since it s closer to home . . . <br /><br />The baby reacted to his voice, wriggling a little and turning his face towards Tony, eyes wide. For a long moment, Tony simply looked at his son, feeling a tenderness so deep that it bordered on painful. He blinked to clear his vision and caught one small foot in his free hand, letting his thumb stroke along the sole.  Max, he murmured, not able to say anything more for a moment.<br /><br />Down in the workshop, the Suit maintenance and upgrade machinery was etching a small photo of Pepper and Max into the inside wall of the armor, just to the left of the Arc circle.<br /><br />Tony figured that was as close to his heart as he d be able to get it, and one small sentimentality wasn t going to interfere with anything.<br /><br />*** *** ***<br /><br />Max s christening ceremony took place as a private affair at the United Methodist Church in Zuma Beach. Tony fought for the right to go; Pepper gave in when he promised to come in a separate car and sit in the pews with Rhodey. Neither of those terms made Tony happy, but the thought of missing the event was worse, so he scowled as he stood next to his best friend, saying nothing as he looked over the guests.<br /><br />There were several faces he knew from Stark Industries; Pepper was popular and well-liked, that Tony knew. There were a few people he recognized from the Fey world, including Renata Betancourt, who gave him a pleasant nod. Tony wondered what she was doing at the Christening, but turned his attention to the ceremony as Rhodey and Mab came forward to be named Godparents.<br /><br />Mab s real-world name was actually Maeve, Tony discovered. He also realized that she and Rhodey were getting along very well. Maybe TOO well, he scowled again.<br /><br />Jim still didn t actually . . . know about the Fey. He d dismissed Tony s remark about being a fairy as a joke, and since then, Tony hadn t tried to bring it up again. Showing Rhodey his wings Tony wasn t sure that would be a good thing. He d pulled too many practical jokes in the past for Rhodey to trust him point-blank, and Tony wasn t about to let anyone else see <i>Pepper s</i> wings.<br /><br />Ever.<br /><br />After the ceremony, people gathered outside in the shade of the trees and took pictures. Tony kept his distance, maintaining an eye on the group. He noted that a number of paparazzi were across the street, snapping photos as well, so he glumly made it a point to chat with Renata, who seemed instinctively to understand, and stood nearby.<br /><br /> He s adorable, Mr. Stark. You should be very proud, she told him in an undertone. <br />Tony nodded, managing a smile.  Thanks. <br /><br /> So, have you decided about Mab s offer? Renata murmured, flashing a grin at Tony s startled expression.  Oh believe me, we ALL know about it; it s the only bargaining chip she s got, but it s a good one. <br /><br />Tony sighed.  No, I haven t decided yet. You ll understand my reluctance to be in debt to her, I m sure. <br /><br />Renata nodded sympathetically.  Of course, but I hope you look beyond her part in it and consider the rest of us. If we Fey don t look out for each other, then who will? <br /><br />He eyed her for a moment, but Renata held his gaze, her own empathetic.  No I m not her agent, if that s what you re thinking. <br /><br /> Sorry, yeah that did sound a bit like a sales pitch, Tony murmured.<br /><br />Renata gave a shrug.  Not at all; whatever you and your mate decide is your choice and yours alone. <br /><br /> So what s the benefit to <i>you?</i> Tony asked intently.  Seriously why should it matter to you or anybody else what <i>I</i> decide for my kid? <br /><br /> Because nobody should ever be completely alone, Renata replied instantly.  And with Fey as family, you aren t. There s always someone to be there; to back you up; to help. I m sorry your parents held back from telling you about your ties to the Fey world, Mr. Stark, but that was <i>their</i> choice it doesn t have to be yours. <br /><br />Tony sighed, letting her opinion sink in, and then turned to glance at the distant Pepper, noting with alarm that she had her head bent down toward Mab, listening intently to something the elder Fey was saying.<br /><br />Pepper straightened up quickly, and her sharp glance flashed across the distance, meeting Tony s.<br /> <br />It was <i>not</i> a happy look at all.<br><br><br><br><br> </span></big></big></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cincoflex.net/im/ft/fairy2a.html"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 33px; height: 33px;" alt="Go to previous chapter" title="Go to previous chapter" src="http://www.cincoflex.net/images/leftarrowbluelight.gif"></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.cincoflex.net/im/ft/fairy2c.html"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 33px; height: 33px;" alt="Next chapter" title="Next chapter" src="http://www.cincoflex.net/images/rightarrowbluelight.gif"></a></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br> <a href="http://www.cincoflex.net/othermenu.html"><br> </a><a href="http://www.cincoflex.net/immenu.html"><img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 34px; height: 34px;" alt="Main Page" src="http://www.cincoflex.net/images/homeblue.gif"></a><br> </p> <br> <br> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br> <a href="http://www.guestbookcentral.com/sign.cfm?guestbook=39144"><br> <img style="border: 0px solid ; width: 128px; height: 25px;" alt="Click here to leave a review" src="http://www.cincoflex.net/images/reviewblue.gif"><br> </a></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br> </p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br> </p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br> </p> <center><!-- Start of StatCounter Code --> <script type="text/javascript"> var sc_project=4872118; var sc_invisible=0; var sc_partition=57; var sc_click_stat=1; var sc_security="2e309c4b"; </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.statcounter.com/counter/counter.js"></script><noscript><div class="statcounter"><a title="drupal analytics" href="http://www.statcounter.com/drupal/" target="_blank"><img class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/4872118/0/2e309c4b/0/" alt="drupal analytics" ></a></div></noscript> <!-- End of StatCounter Code --> </center> </body> </html>