My heels clattered loudly on the hardwood floor as I ran inside the cliff-top mansion. Pepper stood up from the couch, her wide, worried eyes taking in my disheveled state.
"Where is he?" I snapped.
"Downstairs, but…"
I ignored what she was about to say, running down the stairs to the garage/Tony's office. I typed in the password on the keyboard, but the doors refused to open.
"Sorry, Ms. Julianne, I have orders to deny access…" Jarvis computerized voice echoed.
"Open this door right now, Jarvis, or I'll call all my engineers and technicians and shut you off" I said angrily but nothing happened. "I am serious!"
The doors slid open and I narrowed my eyes at my brother, closing files in the computers and putting away stuff on the desk. But as soon as my eyes took him in, with a broken arm and scratches, my anger dissipated and my eyes filled with happy tears. He turned around with an innocent smile and I wrapped my arms around him tightly.
"Oh, God" I cried in his shoulder. "You're here! You're really here!"
"Funny how you used to be irritated by my presence…"
"Shut up" I grumbled squeezing him a bit. "You scared me. I started to pray…"
"Shh, Julie, I'm here now" he soothed.
I pulled back and took his face in my hands. He seemed tired, but that was just it. I kissed his cheeks and he chuckled at my motherly instincts.
"Shouldn't I be the worried, responsible one?" he asked amusedly.
"Well, although you are my big brother, you still act like a teenager sometimes, so…" I smiled and then narrowed my eyes. "Speaking of…"
He groaned and plopped down on his chair, rotating away from me.
"Are you insane? What the hell were you thinking on giving that press conference? You should have waited for me, Tony!"
"I didn't know how long you would take to get here" he shrugged.
"You should have called me. I have people breathing down my neck for this business' success… Do you know how pressured I was to 'accept and declare you dead' so I could take over your share? Now I'll have to deal with board members wanting to declare you insane and with PTSD"
"Let them… We all know I'm right"
I sighed and pulled a stool, sitting in front of him.
"I know you probably don't want to talk about it… And honestly, I prefer not knowing. But why?" I asked frowning. "Dad built this industry, you can't just…"
"He never wanted this to get out of hand. Innocent people might get hurt because of what we are doing, Julianne"
I stared into his dark brown eyes and ran my fingers through his hair.
"A haircut and a good shave tomorrow… We have the fundraiser ball in three days" I said.
"What happened to you, by the way?" he asked frowning at my outfit.
I looked down at my black ruffle dress, which was still a bit wet, and all wrinkled. My red shoes had mud on them. My hair was probably a mess, and my make-up a disaster.
"Well, when they called me saying they found you, I was in Hong Kong for a meeting. The private jet didn't have authorization to leave then, so I took a commercial flight to New York… It was raining a lot. I had to take a cab to JFK and only then I got a flight to L.A."
"So, you did go through hell" he said with a teasing smile.
"Only for you, Tony" I sighed. "I'll do whatever I can to make sure your wishes are respected concerning the Industry, but I can't keep any promises"
"Thank you, Julie" he grinned and kissed my cheek before turning to his computer.
"Not so fast" I said and he arched an eyebrow at me. "Are you going to show it to me?"
He sighed and unbuttoned his shirt. I stared at the device in his chest, shining, and slowly traced it with my finger.
"Don't let anyone take a look on this" I said. "And if you need help, I'll be here…"
"I'm working on it" he said. "It's getting old. I'll need a new one"
"Okay. If you need money…"
"Julianne, stop worrying, I'll be alright" he smiled buttoning his shirt.
"I spent three months without you, I have a lot of worry accumulated" I smiled.
I stood up and hugged him quickly before going to the spare room I usually used when I was there.
"Mr. Richards called and I said you would call him back" Anna said as I got out of the board meeting. "Your dress is ready, and I'll pick it up this afternoon. Mr. Obadiah asked you to pass by his office and you have a visitor"
I put my phone in my short's pocket and thanked her as I walked to the waiting room.
"Julianne"
James Rhodes gave me a warm smile as he stood up from the comfy armchair on the lobby. I grinned at him and gave him a hug.
"Haven't seen you in years!" he said and held me at arm's length. "Look at you now… a beautiful woman"
"Does Tony know his best friend hits on his little sister?" I asked teasingly.
"Only saying the truth" he shrugged.
"Well, don't let Tony hear it"
"New York tabloids weren't very kind in your love life, darling, I think everyone knows you're not a kid anymore" he laughed.
"Tony prefers to think so. How about lunch?"
He agreed and we took a town car to one of my favorite restaurants that Tony bought. After being warmly greeted and well attended, getting the best table, we sat, James telling me about all the craziness he had been in by being my brother's best friend. I listened to it all, remembering a time when the two men only passed by the house to drop off their backpacks after school before going to a party or to double dates. James was so close to Tony, and by association, to me, that he was a second brother to me.
"So, missing New York?" he asked sipping his wine.
"Yeah, a bit. It's good to be here though; I'm planning on spending some time with Tony…" I said smiling.
"About Tony…"
"Oh, finally we got to what you wanted to ask" I laughed.
"Sorry" he said sheepishly but then frowned. "He's not serious, is he?"
"James…"
"He can't be serious. Your whole life was based on Stark Industries; he can't just shut it off. The Army…"
"James" I interrupted and he stopped. "I love this Industry, it was a gift my father left for us… I just talked to the board members, of course they will ignore Tony's decision, but if I could do something to help him, I would…"
"But, Julie…"
"I love making business with you" I smiled. "Believe me, I love when you call and say the contract is being sent back to me. But right now, I need you to be James, Tony's friend, and not Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes. Tony needs a friend, not business acquaintances. For now, everything stays as it is, and there is nothing for you or your superiors to worry about. You will be the second to know if something changes, right after Tony"
He agreed, apologizing for his behavior.
"Tony" I called over the drill noise. He didn't hear it. "Shut it off!" I screamed.
Jarvis shut off the drill but Tony continued to bob his head to the rhythm of the song he was listening in his iPod. I walked to him and yanked the earphones. He scowled at me.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready?" I asked.
"For?" he asked confusedly.
"The benefit gala! It's in less than two hours"
"Not in the mood. Besides, Obadiah asked me to stay low for some time…" he shrugged. "Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
"I am, just came to check on you" I said gesturing to my curled hair. I looked around and frowned at the sketches on the high-tech computer. "What's this? You didn't tell me you were back to work"
"It's not work… Well, not to be shared" he said. "It's an improved version of the armor suit I used to get away…"
"Tony… this is incredible" I said in awe using my fingertips to roll down the screen to the project's specifications. "Titanium?"
"Yes"
"And it would take energy…"
"From the arc reactor" he said pointing to his chest.
"Wow" I said impressed.
"Don't tell anyone"
"Of course not" I smiled. "Good luck with that… I have to go"
I was about to leave when I saw a gift box in one of the desks. I asked him what it was and he said Pepper had given him. I rolled my eyes at him, holding back a chastisement for not even opening. I opened and saw she had encased in glass his first reactor and a small silver plaque read: Proof that Tony Stark has a heart. I laughed and it got Tony's attention. He smiled at the gift, and I advised him to give her something back, after all, she was his lifesaver for everything. I put on the wrap yellow dress that fell open, revealing my legs and with a deep V-neck, golden gladiator sandals and a gold long multichain necklace. After grabbing my black clutch, I tiptoed down the staircase, looking around for Tony. I could hear the drill in the basement, and there were no signs that he moved from where I left him. If he saw my dress he would piss me off to change. I quickly got out of the mansion, taking one of his black Ferraris, and drove top speed to the five-star hotel. The engine purred almost musically as I slowed down to a stop. The door lifted, and I took the valet's offered hand, with a smile on my face for the paparazzi. When I turned to thank the valet, I realized he wasn't one. Johnny smirked at me offering me his arm. I threw the keys to the valet, linking my arm with his and we walked up the red-carpeted steps.
"Fancy seeing you here" I said waving to the photographers.
"Well, you did invite me" he whispered in my ear.
"To be polite. Wasn't expecting you to come all the way from New York. Came to check L.A's beaches? There's nice surfing beaches around here…"
"Came to check if you were alright, after all you forgot to return calls from a lot of people"
"Keep this up, and I might start to think you actually care" I smirked.
His eyes went to my cleavage and he winked at me. Obadiah arrived and after a quick greeting he stood by my side so we could take pictures.
"Tony?" he asked after I introduced him to Johnny.
"Decided to stay home"
"That's good" he said. "I need to introduce you to some people… They are possible partners, but Tony's declaration left them a bit… undecided"
"I'll work my charm on them, don't worry" I grinned.
"That's my girl" he chuckled. "Nice meeting you… Johnny"
Johnny nodded to him and we walked inside the expensively decorated hotel. Taking a flute of champagne, I started to mingle around with Johnny by my side. Eventually I was free from people I had no pleasure to talk to, and we met Pepper at the bar.
"Hey… nice dress" I said smiling.
"Thanks, it was your brother's gift for my birthday" she said.
"You chose it" I stated.
"Of course" she rolled her eyes and with a smile extended her hand to Johnny. "Pepper, Tony's assistant"
"Johnny" he said charmingly.
"A friend from college" I explained.
She gave me a knowing smirk and finishing her drink she went to talk to Obadiah. John got us two drinks, and I sat in a vacant barstool, crossing my legs and adjusting my dress a bit. John eyed me up and down.
"Are you wearing a bra?" he asked smirking.
"With this neckline?" I scoffed. "No"
"Hmm…" he said stepping closer, his hand on my thigh. "Is there anything under this dress?"
"Wouldn't you like to know" I smirked.
"You little minx" he whispered huskily.
"If that hand goes any higher on my sister's thigh, I'll personally make sure you are unable to reproduce"
Johnny's hand suddenly disappeared and I rolled my eyes at Tony.
"Be nice" I warned.
"I always am" he smirked.
"Not with my friends"
"I like Samantha"
"Not with my male friends"
"Yeah, you are right, I do not like them" he said narrowing his eyes at Johnny.
"Johnny this is my brother Tony… Tony, this is my friend, Johnny" I introduced.
Johnny winced a bit at Tony's tight handshake but kept his polite smile in place. I continued to sip my drink as Tony interrogated Johnny knowing he wouldn't stop even if I begged. The music changed, and I pulled on Johnny's arm.
"Come on, dance with me" I said.
I pulled him to the dance floor giggling at his relieved expression.
I groaned as my phone rang for the fourth time that morning. Johnny grumbled something in his pillow, and I reached for my clutch in the nightstand. I frowned at the screen, seeing Rhodes' photo and name on it. I slid my finger on the screen accepting the call.
"Hello?" I croaked.
"Thank god one of you decided to answer the damn phone!" James said.
"What?"
"Pass the phone to your brother"
"What happened?" I asked sitting up frowning. "What did he do?"
"Well, last night I got called because an unidentified object was in the area we watch, around where Tony was kept hostage, and they asked me if I knew it… They were about to shoot it down when Tony called me saying it was him"
The project. The armor suit.
Fucking shit.
"James… I'll talk to him"
"Is it a new project? Can I take a look at it?"
"I-I… I don't know, I'll talk to him as soon as I get home" I gripped my hair tightly.
"Call me back on it?"
"Yeah, yeah. Bye"
"You what?" I gasped at Tony.
"Listen, I don't know what is going on but…"
"Tony, you can't just go and play superhero!"
"I am fine, the suit is perfect"
"You destroyed an F-22" I snapped.
"Julie, listen to me, okay?" he said pleadingly. "I need you to go back to New York. I don't want you here. I don't like whatever is going on. You would be safer there"
"But, you just got back…" I mumbled.
"I know" he frowned. "We'll take vacations after I solve this"
"Fine" I sighed.
"And don't… I don't think we should trust Obadiah blindly anymore" I gave him a confused look. "He's done some stuff behind our backs and…"
"Tony" I interrupted. "You are my brother. If you tell me I shouldn't trust Obadiah anymore, I won't. I trust you with my life, Tony, you don't have to explain it"
He smiled at me, kissed my forehead and headed to the living room to ask Pepper to make arrangements for my flight back to New York. I pulled the drive I always carried with me and connected it to the computer.
"Silence" I ordered Jarvis knowing he was about to say something.
I copied the files and quickly put the drive back in my bag. Tony never knew I had those files.
"It is an amazing project" I protested. "Von Doom Industries are willing not only to give them access to the space station…"
"Von Doom is willing to help Richards because of his little girlfriend" Thomas Wellington shot back rolling his eyes.
"Yes, Susan helped Reed convince Victor, but it doesn't mean his project isn't wonderful" I said. "We could start expanding to new scientific areas starting with this… If they are successful, it would bring…"
"Julianne" Mr. Edwards cut me off leaning back on his chair. "As you said… If. Richards isn't known for success. We work with weapons, cars, computers. Your brother is risk enough for this Industry, and although his side work as Iron-Man has been very helpful in the stock market and our reputation, we can't take anymore risks… I am sorry, but we do not agree on investing on Dr. Richards' project. I'm sure Victor is putting enough money into it"
I pushed the folder away from me and almost like a spoiled brat stomped out of the room. Blowing off my assistant, I demanded my driver to be in front of the building when I got there and he was. I went to Baxter Building and the doorman greeted me with a warm smile. I took the elevator to Reed's loft and was surprised to find not only him but Ben and Johnny too.
"Hey, Ben, how are you?" I asked wiping off the scowl from my face and putting on a smile.
"Good… It's been a long time, Julie" he smiled. "How are you?"
"Busy" I shrugged.
"I imagine having a superhero brother and a worldwide successful Industry to manage must be quite busy" Johnny said sipping his scotch.
"Well, at least I'm doing something other than surfing in Hawaii and snowboarding in Switzerland" I shot back smirking.
Ben high-fived me, grinning. Johnny rolled his eyes at us and I turned to Reed.
"How's planning?" I asked approaching with my eyes on the paperwork on his desk.
"Very… Tiring" he smiled at me.
Very stressing considering his ex was dating his new boss.
"I wished I could help more" I said. "Never was good with space stuff. Only engineering" I shrugged and frowned. "Reed… The board didn't agree on letting Stark Industries fund your project"
"It's okay, Julie… it was expected"
"But here" I said taking my check book. "This is from my personal account, I know it's not as much as Victor is giving, but it's the best I can do without bankrupting this account"
"This account" Johnny laughed. "The one in Switzerland must be safe"
Reed shot him a reprimanding look and insisted it wasn't necessary but as I wrote down the amount of money his words died on his lips.
"I'll call the bank and warn them you'll be passing by so there isn't problems on the money's withdrawal" I extended him the check. "Keep a bit for yourself, Reed… I like Victor but he is a greedy one, and I doubt that he'll be willing to share any profit"
"Julie… I can't" he said shaking his head. "Victor is already covering…"
"It's a gift" I said and kissed his cheek. "Susan is being silly, all girls are at some stage of their lives, mine was Johnny" I grinned. "She'll see"
He gave me a tiny smile and I waved goodbye to Ben and Johnny before taking the elevator.
"Von Doom Industries are over" I told Tony over the phone. "The board members think we should buy what is left of it"
"A space station would be very useful to me… I could keep an eye on things" he said. "Maybe it's a good idea"
"Tony, shouldn't you back down from this craziness you got yourself in… just for a bit" I sighed.
"Julie" he sighed. "I'm sorry. First your brother turns into Iron Man and then your little boyfriend and friends turn into a super-human squad…"
"Johnny wasn't my boyfriend…"
"That's great, but my point is… I know we are bringing craziness you didn't ask for into your life"
"But you all are trying to do something good" I mumbled. "I know Tony, I just hate going to business meetings while you all are in danger, I worry"
"You always do. It's not good for you. If you weren't in meetings, we wouldn't have the money to make sure we are safe. Reed's operational system he has in his loft wouldn't exist, my armor wouldn't be fixed… You are helping by funding that kind of stuff"
"Yeah, I guess" I leaned back on the couch. "Fine, I won't complain anymore… Just be careful"
"Always am" he said and I heard something blasting. "Shit. Can you transfer some money to my account?"
"What? I just transferred half a million to it" I scowled. "What do you need it for?"
"Well, I used to fix my cars that I fell on… I need it to buy some new titanium… I'm thinking of making a portable suit"
"Yeah, I'll call the bank. Can you slow down on the broken cars and titanium expenses? I mean, the board isn't very happy with how much money we're spending on this side project"
"They never liked helping people for free – that is why we aren't very known for charity" he mumbled almost incoherently and I knew he was probably stuffing himself with some kind of junk food he must have gotten after his latest shift as Iron Man.
"Speaking of charity… I'm heading to Gotham in two weeks for business with Wayne Enterprises. They are very worried about social work, helping several charity entities, and we would be closing a deal to help arming their Police force after the hell that crazy clown made of that town and…"
He wasn't answering.
"Tony?" I scowled. "Still there?"
"Sorry, got bored, sis" he said shamelessly.
"Did you even hear a word I just said?"
"Yeah, yeah… Gotham, charity, Wayne, police… Listen, gotta go. Good luck with that thing"
I groaned as the line went dead. My brother was impossible.
AN: Hey! So, new story! And crossover... Personally, I'm kinda scared doing this. It can get really messy mixing DC's universe with Marvel's. Is just that I love Batman and Iron Man so much, I couldn't help myself. And of course, Johnny - Human Torch - is the perfect guy to annoy Tony Stark for dating his little sister :D
I hope you enjoyed it, this was only an introduction, for you to understand how the craziness begins.
I have at least four more chapters ready, focusing more on Julianne and... Bruce Wayne!
If you're wondering, I put this in the Avengers section, because I'll use the plot.
I have only the movies as source, never read a comic.
REVIEW!
xoxo Luuh
