Relationship: Michelle Jones/Wanda Maximoff

Summary: After the Avengers' Civil War, Tony and Pepper somehow end up fostering one Wanda Maximoff. They decide the best way to help Wanda is to give her a 'normal' education. Meanwhile, MJ is the one asked to show a new girl around Midtown.

Notes: In this one-shot, Wanda is 16 yrs old, whereas MJ, Peter & Ned are 15 yrs old.

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"Tony, listen-"

"No Steve, you listen! If you had just told us, we could have helped you, as a team. Because that's what we are a team. Or I guess we were a team. That ended when you refused to sign, split the team and left me for dead in Siberia."

"Tony I-"

"Save it, Rogers." Tony sighed before continuing, "Anyway, I called because you've all been pardoned. Aside from Wanda, you'll all be under two months of house arrest. Speaking of, Wanda and I have decided to enrol her in a school."

"School? Which one?"

"A nearby STEM school, Midtown. With Wanda's affinity for Literature, she'll fit right in."

"Tony. I'm sorry."

"I. So am I. But this isn't something we can fix over the phone. It's something the two of us, maybe even the three of us at some point, need to talk through in person."

"Thanks, Tony."

"Just doing my job. The jet will pick up the rest of you from Wakanda tomorrow at 10:00. It'll take you to the Compound, where you'll have to stay for two months. Not too long, but after Germany, it was the best I could manage."

"Goodbye Tony."

"Uh, yeah. Safe trip." Tony finished, pocketing the burner phone and slumping his tired body down into his lab couch. Pulling his hand over his face, the engineer let out a heavy sigh. Sitting up again at the sounds of beeping and the hissing of decompressing air, Tony watched Wanda enter the lab. He studied the girl carefully, as she looked around the lab before settling her eyes on Tony's and walking over to him. She looked happy, but nervous too.

"Hey, Wanda. What can I do for you?"

"Sta-Tony, I wanted to ask you a question."

"Fire away."

"Were you worried when you started school?"

Tony smiled, and patted the space on the couch beside him, speaking when Wanda sat down next to him. "I think so, though it was a long time ago now."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I didn't become this confident, billionaire, business owner, overnight y'know. It took practice. It's normal to be nervous. Nothing wrong with that."

"I guess so," Wanda said, looking down at her lap.

"If it's making friends you're worried about, you already know Pete. And I know he'll introduce you to his friends as soon as he can. So you've already got three before you start." Does that help ease your mind?"

"I, yes thank you."

"No worries, but er, maybe don't do that." Tony added indicating to her lap. Wanda followed his gaze down, noticing the red wisps twirling around her fingertips.

"Sorry. I didn't realise I was doing it." Wanda rushed out, clenching her fists.

"You're not in trouble Wanda. I just don't want-. I want you to have a 'normal' childhood." Tony said, getting up and walking over to one of his many cluttered workbenches. "That's why I developed these."

Wanda looked over at Tony, taking note of the thin silver bands he was holding aloft.

"These will help you to dampen your powers, they don't hurt. I've had an old friend of mine test them extensively. Until he's free to visit and train you further, these will help. Here." Tony explained, holding them out to Wanda.

Gingerly, she took them. Clasping one around each wrist, Wanda turned her wrist to examine the bands properly. They were simple silver bands, about an inch wide and likely designed to fit nicely with the rest of her jewellery. For the first time in a long time, Wanda felt calm. Almost at peace within herself.

"Wow, Tony. These are great."

"Really? That's good."

"Yeah, I feel so relaxed, in control. Thank you so much." Wanda replied, throwing her arms around the unsuspecting genius.

"Right, off to bed now I think. You gotta be up early for your first day tomorrow. Pepper would kill me if she knew you were still up."

"Yes, she would." Tony and Wanda snapped round to see the CEO watching the pair from the doorway.

"Miss Po-, Pepper I just came to ask Tony a question. I-."

"It's fine sweetie, you're not in trouble. Come on let's get you up to bed." Pepper reassured, outstretching her arm as Wanda walked over. Putting it around the girl's shoulders, as both of them left the lab.

Fondly watching the two of them go, Tony moved across his lab tidying away various projects and shutting the room down, before he too retired for the night.

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When Wanda stepped sleepily down the penthouse stairs the next morning, both Pepper and Tony were seated at the breakfast bar, chatting to each other. The young Sokovian couldn't make out what they were saying, and for a moment she thought about dipping into their minds. But no, she knew better than that. Tony had explained to Wanda that if she used her powers sparingly, and only to fight off bad guys, eventually the public's options would change. For now though, secrecy in the form of a new name (Wanda Petrov, in honour of her lost twin brother) and a new school (Midtown School of Science and Technology, her first non-HYDRA school).

Pepper looked up past Tony, as Wanda came into her view, smiling at the bed hair the teen was sporting.

"Morning honey."

"Oh hey, Wanda." Tony added, looking over his shoulder.

"Good morning, Tony. Good morning Pepper." Wanda mumbled out, sliding onto the only empty stool, which happened to be between her foster parents.

Pepper and Tony grinned at each other over Wanda's head, she was always more relaxed with what she called them both first thing in the morning. The couple were secretly hoping for "Mom" & "Dad" one day, something they kept to themselves oblivious to the others' same hope.

"Excited sweetheart?" Pepper asked, pushing a plate of bacon and scrambled eggs across to Wanda.

"Um, yeah. I was a bit nervous at first. But now I've got these bands." Wanda said, holding up her wrists, "So I'm feeling a little better about school now."

"That's great sweetie." Pepper said, kissing her foster daughter's forehead as she stood up to leave. Offering a, "Have a great day.", over her shoulder - already in Business Mode™.

Tony checked his watch, "Ok you better go up and get ready, Wanda. Oh no, I'll clear these." He added as Wanda moved to do just that. Smiling to himself, as he watched Wanda nod and run upstairs to get ready.

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End of Part 1/2