December 16 1991

Part I

The day everything changed.

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Tony's pov

"Merry early Christmas Tony!"

A very happy and cheerful voice –one which I pretended to hate but actually loved – interrupted my beauty sleep. Pretending not to have heard, I rolled over and tried to get more sleep.

Just in time for her to rip the sheet of my body, leaving me to chill in the cold of christmas. I slowly got up, and frowned as I saw my dad coming up to me.

"Whose the homeless on the couch?" He dryly asked, to which I gave a dry smile in return.

I then turned to hug the person who was so courteous as to wake me up so early .

"Anna!" I tried jumping on my sister but she shushed me as I finally saw what – more like who – was over her shoulder , sound asleep.

My niece, as well as my goddaughter, Sofia Hammer.

I quickly shut up as I saw my angel asleep in her mother's arms. She's just two but has everyone – including Dad – wrapped around her little pinky finger.

I hold out my arms , gesturing her to place my niece in my arms. She gave me a look, looking at my disheveled attire but nevertheless passed Sofia to me. Whenever I look at my niece, it feels like the world stops. I know it sounds cheesy, but with my playboy habits, and me knowing that I would make a terrible father and would never have the privilege of becoming one, she is the closest I have or will ever have to a daughter.

I slowly took her up to her room in our mansion, and tucked her in. Then quietly I exited the room and found my sister just outside , waiting for me. Judging by her clammy hands and constant biting of nails, she was nervous . And just like that my over protective brother side turned on.

" What happened Annie? You alright?"

She just numbly shook her head as she buried her face in my shoulder. Even if she was older than me by five years we were pretty close. Although, a part of me always felt jealous of her as dad gave her all the love which he seemed to lack for me.

But that's life I suppose. I can't blame my sister – or anyone – for that.

"We are leaving for the Pentagon in small time today."

With that small sentence I understood her nervousness. Sofia was young and we didn't want her around all the dangerous matter present in our ever changing world. So while my sister and brother in-law along with my parents are leaving for the Pentagon, I was going to spend Christmas Eve with my niece alone. Although that's fine by me .

"Look I'll take care of her. Don't worry." I tried reassuring her.

"I know . That's not what I'm worried about though, it's just – "

" –She's your baby and you don't want to be separated from her , that too when it's so close to Christmas, right?

She nodded , as we made our way down to our living room, where mum was playing the piano.

We didn't reach mum, as we heard a loud thud from upstairs where I placed Sofie. My eyes widened as they connected with Anna and we both sprinted towards Sofie.

Inside we found her barely awake, rubbing at a spot on her head. Her eyes were still clouded with sleep, but when Anna tried putting her back to sleep she protested slightly. Her eyes were fully awake now. She soon looked at me, and if I can say this, her eyes lightened up.

"Up up" she motioned at me, holding her hands forward. Giving my sister a triumphant smirk , I bent down and lifted her on shoulder. Then together, us three went down to see mum.

"Try to remember the kind of September. When grass was green." Mum's melodious voice filled our ears as we reached the living room, my Christmas cap still intact on my head.

"This is why I love coming home for Christmas. Right before you leave town. " My snarky voice captured Dad's attention.

The previous affection he had shown me at the time of Sofia's birthday was long gone, replaced by even more cold-heartedness and cold shoulders. So, naturally I have been the same. Both mum and Anna sighed, as I'm sure they are quite used to are banter.

"Be nice dear, he's been studying abroad." Mum said to dad, maybe trying for him to soothen his harsh words which would come my way anytime now.

"Really, which broad? What's her name?" There it is.

As usual, his snarkiness sparked mine, and although there was no one, but just to irk him more, I replied with "Candice".

His jaw clenched a bit, as if his eyes were shining with disappointment. I was long past the phase where my dad's opinion about me mattered to me. My mum, sister and brother in law were enough family, ones who loved me.

Yes, even Connor loves me. As do I. We are brothers, even before he married my sister. Being a genius has its perks, but it's cons too. Cons were that we had less real friends, so whoever you got, became close to your heart.

"Do me a favour. Try not to burn down the house before monday." His eyes were still portraying his earlier emotion, as if expecting me to comeback at him, which I did.

"So it's Monday then? That's good to know. I'll plan my toga party accordingly."

Turning to my mother, I finally asked her. "Where exactly are you going?"

"Me and your father, are taking your sister and brother to the Bahamas. We wanted you to come as well, but you refused. " I don't remember them even asking, although I would have refused.

"Bahamas. Don't worry, you are going to love the holiday menu at the commissary." My sarcasm, dripping a little bit extra as of now.

"You know son, they say Sarcasm is a metric for potential. If that's true, you will be a great man someday." Dad's voice cut my dark thoughts.

Surprisingly these words were said in kindness, not in contempt as I have seen him do it so many times before. At that moment I knew, his feelings about me, his disappointment and sadness was real, and I don't know what's worse.

He waited for me to say something, as did I , but nothing came. He sighed a bit, but then looked up to mum. "I'll get the bags."

Anna turned to me then. "You know he does miss you when you're not here." Her expression held nothing but sincerity. I wanted so badly to tell her that she was wrong, but didn't feel the energy to it.

"Sweetheart, please try to fix it before it's too late. Your father is getting old, and as much as you say us Starks' are immortal, we are not. Your father won't live forever. Anthony, one day he will pass away." Mother added in.

Although I knew it was true, my pride – as well as my dad's pride– came in the way, like always.

At that particular moment , a phrase came out from my mouth, which I regretted immediately.

"Couldn't be soon enough."

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