Fan of IH, your prays have been heard and now answered! The sequel to Infinity Heart is here! Praise be, y'all!
Now, no need to introduce myself if you've read the previous story (or any of my others) you readers know well who I am. So instead I'll say welcome back and here's the continued tale of our genius lovers, Tegan and Tony. -Lovely
What you need to know: This story will be following the storyline of the movie Iron Man II with my OC's involvement so expect some AU stuff mixed in but not too much, don't worry.
-Pinky Swear
-Paring(s): Tony Stark/OC
-Rating: High T for language, suggested violence, and slight adult situations
-Movie-based
Disclaimer: I don't own Iron Man II. The characters belong to Marvel Studios and Stan Lee. I only own any OCs introduced.
chapter one:
"Jury Duty"
Swaying to my own sound
Flashes in my face now
All I know is everybody loves me
-Everybody Loves Me, OneRepublic
Classic rock filled the air, echoing off the concrete walls of the workshop/garage. It still looked the same—cluttered with tools and metal, various sports cars, the lounge area—with the newest addition. Off to left and close by Stark's desk was four ceiling-to-floor glass displays which contained the suits created so far. The Mark I, II, III, & IV stood there like ever watching protectors that would come alive if danger was present. Normally, someone would find them creepy but not Tegan. They were Tony and hers' so-called 'babies'.
Said person was alone in the underground level under the hood of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 she was currently restoring. Her long brown-blonde hair pulled back into a messy bun; seriously contemplating earlier if she should cut it shorter once taming the rat nest it had been. Some pesky strands had slipped free and clung to her sweaty face. A black faded band tee and ripped skinny jeans with light blue low top Vans decorated with pictures of sprinkled donuts was her outfit for that night. She couldn't care less that it didn't match. It was comfortable just like the element she was in at the moment.
The female genius was close to finishing the task at hand, having tinkered with the engine which was being placed into the vintage vehicle manually. If the engine started correctly and the car ran smoothly, the only thing left was a new paint job and then she could show off her sweet ride to the guys at the shop.
No one but her, Jarvis, and Dummy were in the house at the time. Usually, she'd call Joven to hang out but apparently he had some date with a mystery girl he lacked to go into details about yet. She was glad he seemed officially moved on. The first couple of months had been awkward but gradually returned to a somewhat normal.
But the young woman would notice every now and then the brief resentment that flashed across his blue eyes whenever seeing Tony. They were still best friends but weren't practically glued at the hip like before. The reminder made a small sad sigh escape her.
And Pepper was mostly likely enjoying her much needed night off after the past two hectic weeks she endured. Hayes felt her pain deeply, having been sucked into the chaos too like an abrupt tornado.
As for Tony..
Grey eyes drifted over to the muted tv that showed an extraordinary entrance for Iron Man aka Tony Stark. He stood on a stage surrounded by cheering people and pretty female dancers sexily dressed like the superhero. It seemed the re-instituted Stark Expo was being well received as desired. She just hoped Tony was truly glad about that. Lately, she noticed he acted a bit moody for the past few weeks, having her wonder if he'd been nervous that the event wouldn't be a hit since it was him and not his late father hosting.
"..Ow, shit!" came a loud exclaim, disturbing the music in the cluttered space then. Distracted by the tv, a sharp piece inside accidentally cut her as she pulled her right hand out. Bringing her bleeding thumb to her mouth with pained whimper, the Irish woman sucked away the blood from the small but deep gash there.
"Madam, I'm afraid that is not deem very sanitary." Jarvis chimed with concern, ever the disembodied mother hen. "Please use the first aid kit provided in the cabinet instead."
"Yes, mum." she sighed, removing the still bleeding appendage. Tegan was tempted to just wipe it off on the borrowed Black Sabbath shirt she wore to spite the nagging AI but decided against it. It was a precious item of her boyfriend after all.
Boyfriend. Hayes instantly blushed at the word. Half a year in and still the thought of her and Tony as a couple made her cheeks rosy like a giddy school girl. Shaking off her silliness, the young woman straighten from her leaning position and reluctantly did as Jarvis told.
Once her wound was sterilized and bandaged, she plopped down on the couch for a much needed break. She'd been working nonstop on her car—a recent birthday gift from Tony—in order to keep herself busy with something mundane after the older man confessed to the world live he was Iron Man. Since then, Tegan was his in-the-shadows sidekick, working with Jarvis on every mission her lover did and repairing or upgrading the suits. Like promised, she was sticking by him constantly.
Personality-wise, he was still the same..though Tegan and Pepper believed the Iron Man reveal boosted his already staggering ego up further. Minus the frequent ventures with different women, it'd be weird if he changed his well-known lifestyle completely now that he was in a serious secret relationship—the first he ever had, to be honest.
And Stark was surprisingly doing well with the lack of sex escapades since the young woman wanted to take things slow. He took their relationship very earnestly too. He tried to spoil Tegan as much as she would allow before getting irritated; ever the doting boyfriend. The same went for her except the billionaire actually loved being showered with gifts of all types and kinds.
Thankfully, the media hadn't figured anything out as they were also careful to act the same around each other as usual, keeping the lovey dovey stuff safely at home. Though occasionally the lovers would sneak off and share a kiss or more..but it never went as far as a few heavy petting sessions.
But even there, the two took extra precautions with the help of Jarvis since Pepper, Happy, or Rhodey were still in the dark; Joven being the only one to know for obvious reasons. The two knew they couldn't keep it secret too much longer. Sure enough one of them will end up slipping even after six lucky but cautious months.
Tegan decided to un-mute the sound once the extravagant opening was over, tuning into what Tony was saying while thinking briefly the suit he wore was a good choice.
"..Please, it's not about me. It's not about you. It's not even about us—it's about legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations." he informed the crowd with his keynote speech, "And that's why for the next year and for the first time since 1974, the best and brightest men and women of nations and corporations the world over will pool their resources, share their collective vision, to leave behind a brighter future. It's not about us."
A small round of applause appeared then as people agreed with his words.
"Therefore, what I'm saying—if I'm saying anything—is welcome back to the Stark Expo."
Still not a fan of such social events, Hayes chose to stay home instead of with him in Flushing Meadows surrounded with flashing lights, fake people, and screaming fans. She felt bad not being physically there to support him even if she hated the attention but it was better than being stuck with a grumpy and complaining Tegan. Yeah, no one would want to see that.
"Jarvis, call Tony for me, please." she asked while watching said person finish and walk off stage. It would still be good to call at least; show she was wishing him best on the other side of America.
"Right away, madam."
It was getting worse. Bit by bit, his condition.
With a 19% blood toxicity, he knew he needed to get checked out but the cure for his progressing ailment was so far impossible, using Chlorophyll drinks to try and bay the symptoms some. It was the result of having palladium leak into his body from the Arc Reactor but he needed it to live. So, Tony secretly tried to find a replacement to use instead.
His phone started to vibrate from his pants' pocket then, bringing him out of troubled thoughts. A picture of a sleeping Tegan showed on the touchscreen. He groaned slightly as she was still in the dark about his illness. Though, the young woman knew of the hazard having mentioned it after a mission one day—long before the side effects reared their ugly heads.
"We should really make another Arc for just the suit." she stated once he was completely out of the Mark IV. "Using just your chest one all the time will burn you out sooner or later. Literally."
"Relax, babe, I know. So far, I'm fit as a fiddle." he brushed off, walking pass her. His forearm was grabbed and kept him from going any farther. A heavy sigh left him, glancing over his shoulder at his concern girlfriend.
"Just because you're a superhero now, doesn't mean you were born as one physically—"
He interrupted, lifting his hand in her grasp to her cheek. "Tegan. Let me worry about my health. You have enough on your plate already." The two stared for a moment before she gave up.
"..Fine, but take what I see into consideration, 'kay?" Hayes frowned, fixing him with hard grey eyes.
"Oh. Sure thing!" Stark promised with a quick kiss to her forehead.
"So much for that promise." he muttered bitterly as he finally answered.
"Took you long enough." came the familiar Irish lilt the man had grown to adore through the speaker.
"Sorry! Things are kinda wild over here."
"So I can see." the female genius noted, a smile in her voice. "By the way, nice entrance you did there, diva."
"Hey, you know I love to put on a show." His tone all but suggestive. Tegan's contiguous laughter filled his ears which had him joining along right away. By the time their laughter toned down, they both had tears in their eyes and were out of breath.
"Ugh, my sides hurt along with my thumb now. Thanks, you arse."
"Your thumb? What happened, you okay?"
"I can assure you I'll live. Just a cut myself while fixing the Camaro." The image of Tegan bent over under the hood with her peach-shaped bottom in plain view invaded his sex-starved mind. He couldn't help but groan low in his throat.
On the other side of the phone, his lover raised a brow. "You all right?"
"Yeah..just be careful what you tell me next time." Tony responded, his voice sounding strained. "I have a vivid imagination, remember?"
"Vivid..oh..Oh!" She blushed red, suddenly flustered as well. "I-I'll definitely try to keep that in mind for now on."
He smirked before teasing, "Want me to tell you what—"
"Enjoy the rest of the Expo, Tony. Stay out of trouble!" The call abruptly ended then, leaving him blinking for a moment. Once recovered, he sighed with a smile. It was good to know he wasn't the only one wishing for inappropriate things to happen. The genius figured as much from the subtle hints his girlfriend gave lately but she was too shy to act upon them fully. She expected him to push it along and he would have already if not for..
"Hey, Tony! Come on," came Happy's voice, bringing him back to the present. "You still got some meet and greets to do before we can head out."
"Back on the clock." he thought before walking over to his friend, seeming as if his world wasn't slowly crashing around him.
"Tony, pay attention."
"But you're far more interesting."
Tegan tried very hard not to blush in the court room filled to the brim with government officials and observant press. Not to mention, Pepper sat a row behind them and could see everything they did plain as day. She wanted to be anywhere but there. But when Potts called early that morning and informed her of the subpoena Tony was served last night, she had to reluctantly get out of her comfy bed. This whole thing came about because of the suit and since she assisted in the build, she had to be at that hearing with her nonchalant lover. But she was gonna let him do all the talking unless it was absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, he continued to stare at her with a wide smile as he rested his head in his hand; completely unaware or not caring that Senator Stern glared at him. The genius instead casually took in the young woman's assemble—violet colored long sleeved blouse, dark dress pants, and plain black high heels. Her hair was down and draped over on shoulder. She left a few top buttons open on her blouse, allowing her collarbone to be seen along with the chain that held her mother's ring. God, how he wanted to just lean over and—
"Mr. Stark, could we pick up now where we left off?" Stern requested then, still getting no response. "Mr. Stark please." Hayes snapped her fingers in front of his face, getting his full attention again. She harshly gestured for him to face forward before cooling her annoyed expression to a calm one. Mentally sighing, the man obeyed.
"Yes, dear?" he said in his ever snarky way. Chuckles came from the people around at that while the young woman wished to tell them not to encourage him further.
"Can I have your attention?" was asked of him which he agreed with a smile, "Do you or do you not possess a specialized weapon?"
"I do not." he denied simply.
Stern raised a brow. "You do not?"
"I do not.." Stark paused for a second, pondering. "Well, it depends on how you define the word 'weapon.'"
"The Iron Man weapon." the United States Senator clarified.
"My device does not fit that description."
"Well..how would you describe it?"
"I would describe it by defining it as what it is, Senator."
"As?"
"It's a, hmm..it's a high-tech prosthesis." Tony told seriously though to the people around it sounded as if he was joking. "That's actually the most apt description I can make of it."
"It's a weapon. It's a weapon, Mr. Stark." Tegan tried very hard not to roll her eyes at that. These people made it seem like Tony had created the next atomic bomb. Yes, the suit was powerful but it could only bring harm to the public if he choose to which he never would. It was the government who couldn't be trusted. It was so obvious they just wanted it for their own selfish purpose. But since they could not just take it themselves, this idiotic hearing was called to order to try and show the dangers of it not being in the right hands.
"Which is a total load of bullshit." she thought before leaning forward to speak into the mic in front of her. Her tone came out sounding polite but her words were condescending. "Excuse me, Senator, but let's have a little English lesson as it seems you and your associates are still unable to properly understand my caregiver, Mr. Stark."
She continued on, not waiting for his permission. "There are two well-known definitions for weapon in the dictionary. One, a thing designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage, and two, a means of gaining an advantage or defending oneself in a conflict or contest."
"Now, sir, which of those best fits what the 'Iron Man weapon'," Hayes air quoted his earlier wording sarcastically. "has done so far?"
"The first term obviously—"
"Wrong! Tony has only ever used it to either defend himself and any country in danger. Even in the suit he hasn't killed anyone, just destroyed weapons they were planning to use for just that. So I can testify accurately for I've seen so with my own eyes and have documented records of every mission he has done."
Leaning back in her chair with crossed arms and smug expression, she added lastly. "Which I'd be more than happy to pull onscreen to confirm for you and all of America watching, Senator Stern. Because no offense, but your firewall systems are..excuse my French, kinda shit."
A chuckled murmur filled the chamber as the crowd whispered what just happen while Stern and his council talked among themselves. With her last statement, they weren't taking it lightly. Tegan wasn't the suppose heiress to the Stark throne for nothing.
"Thought you weren't gonna get involved, Turtle?" her boyfriend uttered, smiling proudly. Yeah, she may have just put herself on the 'person of interest' list with her admittance to her hacker abilities. But the female genius had had enough of the Senator's blatant dislike for Tony and his stubbornness to stay silent.
"He pisses me off." she remarked, shrugging.
The genius chuckled softly. "You and me both, babe."
When Stern spoke again, he was still as adamant as ever still. "Even so, Ms. Hayes, the Iron Man weapon is a danger to America if—"
"Please," the billionaire scoffed, "If your priority was actually the well-being of the American citizen—"
"My priority is to get the Iron Man weapon turned over to the people of the United States of America."
"Well, you can forget it." the genius refused together.
"I am Iron Man." added Tony, "The suit and I are one. To turn over the Iron Man suit would be to turn over myself, which is tantamount to indentured servitude or prostitution, depending on what state you're in. You can't have it."
"Look, I'm no expert.."
"In prostitution? Of course not." he said mockingly, "You're a senator. Come on." He turned and gave a peace sign to the laughing crowd earning a sigh and a disapproving expression from the two important women in his lifestyle.
"I'm no expert in weapons. We have somebody here who is an expert on weapons." the Senator continued on, "I'd now like to call Justin Hammer, our current primary weapons contractor." The lovers turned their heads in said person's direction as he stepped into the room and subtly rolled their eyes. Justin Hammer was a business rival of Tony's for a long time now and tried way too hard to get to Stark legacy level but so far with no luck.
"Let the record reflect that I observed Mr. Hammer entering the chamber," Stark noted, "And I am wondering if and when any actual expert will also be in attendance."
Justin laughed lightly. "Absolutely. I'm no expert. I defer to you, Anthony. You're the wonder boy." He looked to Stern then. "Senator, if I may. I may well not be an expert, but you know who was the expert? Your dad. Howard Stark. Really a father to us all, and to the military-industrial age. Let's just be clear. He was no flower child. He was a lion."
Tegan could practically feel Tony's annoyance rolling off him, though he kept a straight face. She knew well how much that man got under his skin; didn't help with Justin addressing him by his full name. The only thing she could do at the moment to appease her secret lover was pat his hand under the table. Dark browns glanced her briefly when she did, gratitude visible in them. He really was happy she was there beside him. Just her presence alone put him at ease but still the young woman felt it was always important to give a bit of physical contact as well.
"We all know why we're here. In the last six months, Anthony Stark has created a sword with untold possibilities and yet he insists it's a shield." Hammer dragged on, just repeat basically what the council previously stated. "He asks us to trust him as we cower behind it. I wish I were comforted, Anthony, I really do. I'd love to leave my door unlocked when I leave the house, but this ain't Canada. You know, we live in a world of grave threats, threats that Mr. Stark will not always be able to foresee."
"Thank you." he finished, peering right at Stark and Hayes who looked completely disinterested. "God bless Iron Man. God bless America."
"That is well said, Mr. Hammer. The committee would now like to invite Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes to the chamber."
That had the two perk up then. "Rhodey? What?" said person's friend repeated, surprised. He stood and walked over as the man arrived, giving a friendly handshake.
"Hey, buddy. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Look, it's me, I'm here. Deal with it. Let's move on."
"I just—"
"Drop it."
"All right, I'll drop it."
"Hello, Tegan." Rhodey greeted kindly upon seeing her at the table.
Grey eyes stared at him, feigning hurt. "Et tu, brute?" He blinked before shaking his head with a sigh, taking a seat. Like predecessor, like successor, he thought wryly.
"I have before me a complete report on the Iron Man weapon, compiled by Colonel Rhodes." was informed of everyone. "And Colonel, for the record, can you please read page fifty-seven, paragraph four?"
"You're requesting that I read specific selections from my report. Senator?"
"Yes, sir."
"It was my understanding that I was going to be testifying in a much more comprehensive and detailed manner."
"I understand. A lot of things have changed today." brushed away Stern, "So if you could just read—"
The Colonel interrupted, pressing. "You do understand that reading a single paragraph out of context does not reflect the summary of my final—"
"Just read it, Colonel. I do. Thank you." The young woman gave Stern an incredulous glare. The shady bastard was really gonna try that cliche maneuver.
"Wow, he really doesn't have a concrete case then. How sad."
"Very well." Rhodey had no choice but to comply. The billionaire faced him, wanting to give his full attention on what his best friend wrote. "As he does not operate within any definable branch of government, Iron Man presents a potential threat to the security of both the nation and to her interests. I did, however, go on to summarize that the benefits of Iron Man far outweigh the liabilities. And that it would be in our interest.."
"That's enough, Colonel." Stern tried cutting him off again but Rhodey wasn't having it this time. He wasn't about to made it being the bad guy as well to his long time friend.
"To fold Mr. Stark.."
"That's enough."
"..Into the existing chain of command, Senator."
Tony inwardly grinned, pleased greatly by Rhodes' statement. "I'm not a joiner, but I'll consider Secretary of Defense, if you ask nice. We can amend the hours a little bit." The Senators proceeded not to give in, deciding it was time to bring forth their finishing piece if they were gonna win the case.
"I'd like to go on and show, if I may, the imagery that's connected to your report."
"I believe it is somewhat premature to reveal these images to the general public at this time." countered the Colonel.
"With all due respect, Colonel, I understand." Stern said, though really didn't. He just wanted to rid Stark of that smug attitude of his for good. "And if you could just narrate those for us, we'd be very grateful." Reluctant, James gestured for the images to be shown on the television provided. He went on to state that they were showing attempts by other hostile countries at recreating the suit.
As he talked, the genius pulled out his specialized personal phone to secretly hack into the government computer system in search of these so-called attempts. The young woman beside him stayed silent and casual while trying not simper. He was just about to prove her earlier statement and it oddly filled her with glee. She blamed hanging out with Tony too much lately as the reason.
"Hold on one second, buddy. Let me see something here." Stark said then, raising his phone to the screen and successfully hacking it. He glanced over at Tegan, grinning hugely. "Oh boy, I'm good. I commandeered your screens. I need them. Time for a little transparency."
"Now, let's see what's really going on. If you will direct your attention to said screens..I believe that's North Korea." A video showed a crudely made suit that looked as if it was based on the Mark I try to walk forward and fell, triggering one of the guns to fire and kill the people around. Stern tried to turn off the screen with Hammer's help but appeared to be frantically fumbling about. Rhodey just sat, knowing there was no point in stopping him. Actually, he was secretly enjoying this.
"Iran." A test launch of their own suit failing as well. "No grave immediate threat here. Is that Justin Hammer?" Sure enough, his business rival could be seen with own prototype and like the others had gone horribly. At last, the television was shut off but the damage was done. The case was a sure win for Tony now.
"Yeah, I'd say most countries, five..ten years away." Stark pointed towards Justin. "Hammer Industries, twenty."
"I'd like to point out that that test pilot survived." said person tried to save face.
"I think we're done, is the point that he's making." Stern stated, "I don't think there's any reason—"
"The point is, you're welcome, I guess."
"For what?"
"Because I'm your nuclear deterrent. It's working. We're safe. America is secure. You want my property? You can't have it but I did you a big favor." He stood dramatically then and faced the crowd behind him. "I've successfully privatized world peace."
"Oh, for the love of god, don't give the peace—" Tegan groaned in her head as he did just that, making her visibly cringe in her seat. The people there began to applaud for his like he was POTUS himself. She liked that they seemed to be in his corner but there was a sudden nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that it wasn't right..as if something terrible was gonna happen because of all the praise and gloating. Those type of emotions she didn't take lightly for they hadn't proved her wrong yet..
Chapter one done and done! As always, hope you guys enjoyed it. But let me know, I love reading your feedback. So until the next one, this is Lovely signing off!
*Remember to either review, fave, or alert*
(Check my profile for the music playlist to the Infinity Heart series, updates, & more)