It was not an uncommon occurance to see the Hammer family with the Starks. It could be due to the fact Connor wasn't in talking terms with his family, mostly his brother Justin, because he fell in love and married a Stark (that is because he was the only genius person in the family without a stick in the ass) ; or it could be due to the fact that everyone loved Sofia and wanted to spend every single minute with her.

Even Howard, the business oriented man, was suddenly reluctant to return back to his company. Connor, who had started up his own business of clean energy, was sad to leave his wife and newborn, even though he hadn't gone to work in nearly two weeks.

Unlike his brother, Connor was actually smart. That was how Sofia's parents met in MIT, both being the only 16 year olds in a batch of adults. So it was safe to say that Sofia might just become one of the – if not the top – most intelligent people to exist.

But that would also mean she would have the weight of the world on her shoulders someday. Tony didn't want that for her. So, he vowed to himself that he would protect the small bean to his best ability, and if he couldn't – let's not think of that possibility.

Christmas was slowly approaching, this being the first for Sofia Hammer. Everyone was excited, buying gifts here and there. Pepper, Tony's newly appointed personal assistant was as much excited as the family of the baby.

It was quite evident as Tony could be seen dragged down to the baby section of the clothing brand, being dragged down by our Virginia 'Pepper' Potts. Yes, they might have been awkward when she was newly hired, but now they had bonded quite well, seeing that Pepper now tolerated Tonys perverted jokes, just like he tolerated her 'mama bear' attitude.

Exact Tony's words, might I tell you.

"What do you think we should buy? Something pink? Or neutral?" Pepper asked, still very much excited, as though she hasn't already shipped enough as it was.

"Just get her anything. She's just a baby, not even a year old. She wouldn't not like anything. " Tony said , although he too could be seen looking for something eye catchy.

He got a smile on his face as he found the perfect gift. A light blue teddy bear, slightly bigger than Sofia herself.

She was too young to understand anything, and getting her something which was understandable to her was the point, and Tony thought getting a teddy bear which was almost boyish would easily solve the problem.

"Wha– atleast get a pink one Tony!"

"Nooo! Everyone will get her something pink or girly and I want to do something different. This is my gift. " His end-of-discussion tone told pepper that he wouldn't budge from his decision so she just sighed in fake disappointment and they both continued to buy more gifts.

***********

Christmas Eve.

The day had started early, with Anna Stark-Hammer barging into Tony's room, screaming "MERRY CHRISTMAS LITTLE BROTHER!"

It was sure to say Anthony Edward Stark woke up at the wrong side of the bed.

Though his mood was brightened when he saw his little niece in her father's arms, the latter of which was shaking his head at his wife's antics. The said woman was clinging onto Tony's back, loudly singing the Merry Christmas carol, while her daughter was giggling cutely , seeing her mama.

Edwin Jarvis, the Stark's ever faithful butler could be seen running upto Tony's room, a pan in his hand while the other had a phone in it. Behind him his wife Anna Jarvis – the one who was the inspiration on naming Anna stark – could be seen coming in, still confused as to why no one was calling the police.

The couple relaxed as they saw the older Stark sibling latched onto the younger one, while the former's husband was carrying the young baby. Anna cooed as she took Sofia in her arms, and after getting a nod from her mother , took her to her grandparents room.

Maria and Howard Stark were seen sitting in their rooms, still sleepy as though they too had been woken up by their daughter, which might be the true reason. They both brightened up as they saw their granddaughter as they quickly took her in their arms and cooed at her.

Anna smiled slightly as she went out to the kitchen to prepare the family's Christmas feast.

All was well.

*************

James Rhodes or Rhodey as Tony calls him, along with Happy Hogan were seen coming inside the Stark mansion with gifts of their own. It was a thing which the trio – meaning Tony. Rhodey and Happy – started back in their college years where they would celebrate christmas with each other's families in a sequence. This year coincidentally was Stark mansion.

It was a blessing as now both the new uncles could see their niece, as both were equally close to Anna as they would be to their blood related sister.

After the feast, everyone sat down to exchange gifts. The pile for baby Sofia quickly grew to almost twice her size, and as she gazed at the big mountain from her Mama's lap, the boys shared a sneaky glance , then pounced on her pile .

Sofia's shrieks of laughter could be heard from every corner of the house as she saw her uncles tear open all her gifts for her, her small chubby hands clapping widely. Every person of the family – including the Jarvis', Pepper , Rhodey , Happy, the Starks' – everyone could practically see the happiness and joy which was radiated by the young baby of almost a month.

This was surely the best Christmas that any of the family members ever had.

******************************