Here's the next chapter. Good news! I have finally found an ending to this fic! It's currently in the research stage, and I'll be writing it soon. But don't worry, there's still lots of this fic to come! :)
I don't own Iron Man. This makes me sad. :(
Chapter 3
"Are you ever going to get any work done?"
Tony jumps. He had been so absorbed, he hadn't even heard Pepper enter, hadn't even felt the Extremis prod at his mind as she used the keypad to let herself in. "Who says I'm not getting any work done?" He replies. Pepper rests her hands on her hips at this, raises her eyebrows in a way that makes his heart rate pick up instantly. "I've been getting a lot of work done, actually. Isn't that right, Jarvis, dear?"
"Yes, sir," comes the dry, metallic-sounding reply. Tony can feel the machine working, the endless codes articulating everything the A.I. is processing. He closes his eyes, and allows himself to become part of it. Immediately, he feels Jarvis's presence shift uncomfortably in his head, and so he withdraws, opens his eyes. Sorry, Tony thinks, and he knows Jarvis can hear him.
It's quite all right, sir. He replies, connecting to the Extremis in Tony's head to respond. I can understand your fascination with me. After all, I am quite a beautiful piece of machinery. Tony laughs at this, causing Pepper to look at him like he is crazy. Sometimes he forgets that not everyone can link their minds with any piece of technology.
Jarvis continues, speaking aloud this time: "And may I say, sir, you seem to have accomplished more in the past three hours that you have in the past year."
Pepper turns to Tony in disbelief. "What did you do? Did you mess with Jarvis's software again?" It seems like she wants a serious answer, but all Tony does is laugh. She turns away from him, mildly annoyed, but not angry. She does a quick once-over of his desk. "And where's your phone? Did you lose another one?" She scowls.
He shakes his head.
"No? Well then, where is it?"
He still says nothing, simply taps a nimble finger to the side of his head. "Built in, now."
Pepper's eyes widen. In surprise or disbelief or concern, Tony isn't sure. But she quickly reins herself back in, and relaxes into a sarcastic expression. "Well, at least now you have no excuse not to answer my phone calls."
He groans in mock exasperation. He grins slyly at her, and when she returns the smile, he darts forward to kiss her lightly. She giggles and knots her hands in his hair, pulls him close for a hug. He can smell the sweet fragrance of her hair and for a moment, he is happy. But, in the back of his head, he can feel the Extremis and its overwhelming amount of data pulling at his attention. It is too strong for him to fight.
Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. And if you haven't, please do! Your reviews motivate me. Seriously.
