"Hey" he mumbled. "Where were you?"

"I went to the kitchen to get breakfast" I said, putting the tray on the ottoman. "Alfred is in the garden"

He turned around, rubbing his eyes and with a sigh, he put his arms behind his head and watched as I climbed in bed, crawling to him.

"Good morning" he smiled.

"Good afternoon" I chuckled leaning in for a kiss.

He pulled me closer, and I lay across his chest as we kissed. When we parted, he nuzzled his nose on my hair, his hand rubbing my thigh. I traced the scar he had on his chest and rested my chin on his shoulder.

"I have to go" I whispered.

"Why?" he asked. As if it was the dumbest idea.

"Because, we've been inside this manor for days now, and while I like it, I need some fresh air. And I have to go home"

"Why?" he repeated.

"Because I'm out of clothes" I chuckled.

"I don't mind" he shrugged with a smile, his hand going higher on my thigh.

"Bruce"

"Fine" he said rolling his eyes. "We'll get you some clothes and go to dinner"

"Great" I smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips.

He pulled me to him and I shifted so I was straddling his hips. His hands grabbed my thighs going up and when they reached the hem of the sweater I was wearing, he frowned.

"What?" I asked.

"Where… What are you wearing?" he asked.

"Well, as I mentioned, I'm running out of clothes, and I was going to take one of your shirts, but I found this. You don't mind, do you?"

He didn't answer and I pulled the fabric that was slipping down my shoulder. I played with the sleeves, enjoying the texture of the knit and frowned as he continued to frown at me.

"Do you?" I asked.

"It was my mother's" he deadpanned.

"Oh"

I looked down at it and got off him.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to… I'll take a shower and change" I said, getting out of bed. I leaned in and pecked him on the lips. "Eat before it gets cold"

I rushed to the bathroom, grabbing my duffel bag on the way and quickly took off the sweater. After showering, I put on my last clean clothes, a turtle neck wool cashmere dress, tights and folded Bruce's mom's sweater. I walked out, and laid the sweater in the ottoman, sitting next to it to put on my boots.

"I'm sorry, you didn't have to…"

"It's alright, Bruce" I said smiling at him. "I thought it was one of those things ex-girlfriends forget, I'm sorry"

"It really is fine, I just had forgotten it was there" he said getting out of bed and reaching for his robe.

I walked to him, and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I got on my tip toes, and I cupped his face. I pulled back smiling and rubbed his jaw with my thumbs.

"You have to shave" I said.

"No, I don't" he smirked.

"Your call… But I'm not kissing, nibbling or licking that jaw until it's as smooth as I like" I grinned.

"You really know how to negotiate" he chuckled.

"You are incorrigible" I grumbled as he drove. "First you get me thrown out of the gym"

"As if you weren't a willing participant" he chuckled.

"You torn half my clothes"

"As if you didn't tear mine"

"And now you got mud in my dress" I grumbled looking down at my dress.

"As if you weren't a tease. Kissing me and running away through the gardens" he huffed.

"You didn't have to tackle me to the ground" I frowned at him.

"Oh, admit it, you liked it" he laughed.

"I admit that I don't mind looking for another gym" I smirked.

"Don't"

"Don't what?"

"Get in the gym" he said, laying his hand on my thigh. "You don't need it"

"You say that because you only know me like this. I eat like a pig, it's a Stark thing. And you don't know that because we barely left the bedroom to eat" I laughed. "Believe me, I need the gym"

"Well, I don't need you going to the gym in skimpy little shorts…"

"Skimpy little shorts that you like"

"… and only a bra… to have 'trainers' ogling you, and unnecessarily touching you to 'help you'" he said rolling his eyes.

"Oooh, are you jealous?" I teased, covering his hand with mine.

"No. I just don't like men taking advantage of oblivious women"

"Right" I chuckled. "Well, I have to get to gym"

"I'll train you"

"What?" I asked surprised.

He groaned, sighing as he turned on my street.

"I'll help you with your combat skills, it's exercise enough to keep in shape, and at least I'll be teaching you how to defend yourself"

"Really?" I asked excitedly.

"Only if you promise you are not going to try to be a vigilante" he said rolling his eyes.

"I'm not going to try to be a vigilante" I said.

"Ah, ah. And promise you're not going to succeed on being a vigilante" he said, catching my loophole. "Or a fail at it"

"Bruce…"

"Promise or no deal"

"I can get a gym and a martial arts instructor" I frowned at him.

"Yes, but they are not me" he smirked.

"Then you'll have to deal with men taking advantage of me and my skimpy little shorts" I retorted.

He turned on my driveway, and turned off the engine of his Ferrari.

"Then we have an impasse" he said.

I huffed and got out of the car. He could be so infuriating. He chuckled as he followed me to the door, and as soon as I entered, I frowned at the sound of the TV.

"Ms. Stark, you have visitors…" Alexis started.

Pepper showed up, giving me a guilty smile and I tensed.

"Hi" she said stepping forward and hugged me. "I'm so sorry"

"Great" I groaned.

She turned to Bruce and extended her hand.

"Hi. I'm Pepper Potts"

"Bruce Wayne" he said shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you"

"That's because you don't know who dragged her" I mumbled.

We walked to the living room and I found my living room a complete mess. I scowled at the boxes of pizza and the several videogames Tony had connected to my TV. He didn't organized it, no. There were cables all over the floor, the devices either on top of their cables on under it.

"I was trying to organize it…" Pepper said quietly.

Tony glanced at us and paused his game. He jumped up, happily and skipped to us.

"Tony" I said warningly.

"Hello" he said with a grin, extending his hand to Bruce. "Tony Stark"

"Bruce Wayne" Bruce said reaching for his hand, glancing at me.

"Great, it's you" Tony said.

Pepper and I gasped as he threw a right hook at Bruce. Bruce staggered back, taken by surprise, but was able to dodge the second hook and grab Tony's arm. He might have retired as Batman, but he was still fast. He was going to twist Tony's arm behind his back, when Tony raised his other hand. He was wearing the glove of his armor, the device shining as it charged.

"Stop, stop!" I snapped, getting between then and ripping Bruce's hand from my brother's arm. "Enough!"

"Tony, lower your hand" Pepper said shakily.

Bruce tugged at my arm, but I stood my ground, knowing Tony would shoot if I got out of the way.

"Tony, enough" I snapped.

Tony rolled his eyes and lowered his arm.

"I was just showing him why he'll stay away from you. I wouldn't blast the guy" Tony said.

"Do you always threaten people to get what you want?" Bruce asked tightly.

"No… only when they are touching my baby sister" Tony said, his smirk dropping and a glare taking place.

"I am not a baby, Tony" I said angrily, ignoring as Bruce's arm wrapped around my waist just to piss my brother off.

"Why don't we sit down and discuss this as normal people?" Pepper said nervously.

"Take your hands off her" Tony said, glaring at Bruce.

"I think she's big enough to choose her companies" Bruce said.

"She has a bad taste in men"

"Just like Pepper considering you" I snapped.

"Hey!" Pepper protested. "We are not dating"

"I resent that" Tony said to me and turned to her. "And that too"

"Tony, you can't come into my house… make a mess… and then threaten my…"

"Your…?" Tony inclined his head.

"Ahn…"

"Ahn?" he mocked.

"Shut up, Tony" I snapped.

"Interesting how he says he's the adult trying to protect his baby sister, but acts like the child" Bruce said.

I groaned.

Really, Bruce? You didn't have to talk now…

"You're coming back to L.A. with me" Tony said.

"Are you just going to drag her screaming across the country?" Bruce asked.

"Oh, no, bat boy, I have my armor" Tony said angrily.

Great. He knew.

I turned around as I felt Bruce step forward. I pushed against his chest, praying to god they wouldn't start a fight, because I would have to call Johnny, Reed and Ben to break it off.

Well, Tony might just go completely nuts if Johnny shows up… Maybe Susan would be a better choice.

"Stop" I said softly. "Please"

Bruce stopped, but his body was tense, ready for a fight. I rested my forehead against his chest, taking a deep breath.

"Tony, I appreciate your concern, but I… I'm happy here, and Bruce is a nice guy…"

Tony scoffed.

"Look, jackass, why don't you go back to your mid-life crisis partying in L.A. and leave us alone" Bruce snapped. "Julianne is big enough to manage her love life"

Tony snapped. I squeaked as Pepper pulled me away just in time for Tony to clash with Bruce. They fell on the floor, throwing punches and kicking. Tony wasn't a match for Bruce, but Bruce was going full-force. Suddenly there was a blast and I yelped as my bookcase was blown up.

"You fuck my sister in a filthy gym locker room and you have the nerve to say love life?!" Tony roared.

"Stop, both of you!" Pepper yelled looking for an opportunity to pull them apart.

I walked into the kitchen, and when I returned, they were still going at it. I raised the gun, and shot at the air.

Yes, I do realize that we would all probably fail on a psychological evaluation. I do realize we are all unstable… But family is family, what can you do?

They both froze and turned to look at me with wide eyes. I took a deep breath and wiped the traitorous tears.

"I want everyone out" I said. "Now" I snapped when no one moved.

Bruce quickly got up and walked to me. He took the gun from me and set it aside.

"I'm sorry" he said quietly.

I sighed and brushed my fingertips against the bruise that was starting to show in his eye.

"I'm not mad, I'm just… stressed out. Sorry" I mumbled. "I'll call you?"

He nodded and gave me a quick soft kiss. I gave him a small smile and he squeezed my hand before walking out. I turned to Pepper and Tony.

"I'm sorry" she said.

"It's not your fault" I mumbled.

"It is. I told Tony he should include you in Stark Expo's plans… I didn't think it would give him an excuse to making your life hell" she said picking up her bag. "I'll go book us a hotel and a flight"

"You don't have to, Pepper" I said and then scowled at Tony. "You do"

"You're gonna kick me out and keep my assistant?" he asked.

"Yes, Tony" I deadpanned.

"In my defense, the guy is a douche"

"Out, now" I growled.

"You really should be ashamed of yourself…"

I grabbed the crystal vase on a table near to me, and threw at him, he used his device to blow it up before it hit him and nodded.

"Okay, I'm out"

"He really is sorry"

I shot Pepper a disbelieving look and she gave me a small smile.

"He is"

"He's not"

"Well, he's not sorry about fighting Bruce, but he is sorry that he annoyed you"

"If I forgive him, he'll do it again" I said shaking my head. "No, he'll have to work on it if he wants to be forgiven"

"Julie" she said, reaching out and taking my hand. "I would appreciate if you at least gave him a clue of what he has to do to be forgiven. Because while it may seem fair that he works for it, he'll drive me insane until he figures it out"

I pitied her because she was right.

"He has got to stop treating me like a baby. And he can't threaten or beat anyone I go out with" I said. "Not even after I break up with them"

"Alright, I'll tell him"

"And he has to apologize to Bruce"

She stared at me.

"You enjoy making my life harder, don't you?" she asked.

I shrugged.

"Look, I'll go to lunch with Bruce, apologize for Tony, because I know that if Tony ever apologizes, it will take some time… Tell Tony he can go home"

"He came all the way from L.A. to see you, Julie, have some mercy" she said frowning.

"Fine, dinner tonight. I'll make reservations" I said shrugging on my jacket. "Make yourself at home, I'll be back soon"

"We still have to talk about the Expo!" she called as I walked out of the kitchen.

"I trust you to organize it, Pepper" I chuckled. "You already take care of everything Tony claims he's doing"

I walked out of the elevator and walked to the secretary.

"I came to see Mr. Wayne. I was told he was with Mr. Fox" I said.

Her wide eyes stared at me for a long moment before she nodded slowly. She picked up the phone, and quietly told Lucius I was there. She hung up and smiled nervously at me.

"You can go in, they are waiting for you"

I smiled at her and opened the heavy wooden door. I smiled at Lucius as I entered and Bruce glanced over his shoulder at me. I closed the door and walked in his direction.

"Well, considering my brother's knowledge and your employees' staring and the trainees' giggling at me, I assume everyone knows?"

He shrugged and I leaned down to kiss him softly. He smiled against my lips and I pulled back, leaning against the side of his armchair.

"Mr. Fox, how are you?" I asked Lucius politely.

"Very good, Ms. Stark. Please, call me Lucius" he said smiling.

His smile reminded me of Alfred's, like they were grateful and very happy.

"Then call me Julianne, or Julie, or Anne, or Lianne" I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "I get so confused by it that I start to think of changing my name"

"Something like Lucius?" he asked amusedly. "Really hard to find a nickname, let me tell you"

"Lucy?" I said teasingly and he laughed. "Yes, well, I was named after my mom and grandmother, so I can't really dislike it"

"How is your brother?" Bruce asked.

"In the dog house" I said walking to sit on the other armchair beside him. "I told him to go to a hotel, and he was calling nonstop. He wants to make up to me, so I scheduled dinner"

"I hear your brother is a man of… too much knowledge" Lucius said hesitantly.

"Don't worry, Lucius, Tony may know about Bruce's secret, but he will not tell. He knows I would strangle him if he did. I think he will respect Bruce's secrecy considering the craziness he brought into our lives with his public second job"

I took Bruce's hand in mine and he smiled, raising it to kiss my knuckles. I smiled, my eyes scanning his face. He had covered it with make-up, but I could see a light bruise on his eye.

"I was thinking I could take you to lunch to compensate for our ruined dinner plans" I said and smiled at Lucius. "You're welcome to join us, of course"

"Oh, no, I have a business meeting… I actually had to cancel another because of Mr. Wayne's sudden appearance" he said smiling at Bruce. "It is very rare for him to show up"

"You mean it's rare that he's interested in the business?" I asked amusedly. "That's one more point that shows me that Bruce and Tony are so alike, that is why they clash. They are not able to stand a copy of themselves"

Lucius chuckled as Bruce scoffed.

"Do you not agree?" I asked amusedly.

"No" he rolled his eyes. "Your brother is an egocentric, showoff, controlling asshole"

"Weren't you the one that told me you did not want me going to the gym again?"

"Well, considering the headlines, you might want to stay away from gyms for some time" he said.

He reached for the magazine in Lucius desk and showed it to me. It had a picture of me and one of him, and a picture of us walking out of my house when I went to grab some clothes.

"Sexy Locker Rendezvous?" I asked reading and flipping through the magazine to see the article. "They need some lessons from L.A.'s tabloids on headlines. That was so ordinary it was almost depressing"

"I have called in a few favors to try and rein in the press" Lucius said. "But I only succeeded in getting promises they would be kinder"

"Lucius, do not fret. Let them talk and write what they want. It'll go down soon enough, they will get bored from it, I'm sure. It's always like this" I shrugged, scanning the article. "Oh, look, they say that if I marry you, you will become the most powerful man in the industry… Hm, why not the other way? I'm certainly more interesting in business than you"

"I was talking to Lucius about our canceled deal" Bruce said.

I looked up at him and arched an eyebrow.

"I'm not going back on my decision" Bruce said seriously. "The guns would get to the mob, because I am not going to reassume my… side job. But Lucius mentioned some projects your company is working on…"

I smiled, not really paying attention as he talked animatedly with me and Lucius. After a few minutes, both men got into a heated discussion and I leaned back on my chair watching. I quite liked the sleep-drooling-in-meetings Bruce, but this one… This Bruce, interested, excited, this Bruce enchanted me.

I twisted my hair into a side knot, so at least it looked like I had put some effort. Although I found my outfit perfect for a day off, which I had only planned to lunch somewhere normal with Bruce, it was not suitable for now. Bruce was still in his impeccable Armani black suit, I had made reservations on one of the nicest restaurants, and I was in bootcut pants, wedges, a tee, and jacket. Yes, my jacket and Fendi bag were quite expensive, but that was it.

"Stop worrying" Bruce said as I checked my make-up in the mirror for the hundredth time.

"I should not have let you convince me to go to your place. I should've gone home and gotten ready" I murmured.

"You look just fine, Julianne" he chuckled, parking in front of the restaurant.

I sighed and he got out, giving the keys to the valet. He walked around the car and opened the door for me. I took his extended hand and he pulled me out of the car, pulling me to him and kissed me passionately. I heard the click of cameras, but I didn't give a damn.

"There" he said huskily, pulling back just an inch and smiling. "No one would talk about your clothes now"

I smiled, linked my arm with his and we entered the restaurant. We didn't have to wait at all to be taken to our table, a secluded one in the back, and Tony and Pepper stood up to greet us as we approached. Well, Pepper greeted both of us. Tony clenched his jaw and gave a tiny, unwilling nod at Bruce. Bruce grinned, a shit-eating grin, pulled my chair for me and sat next to me, putting a hand on my thigh. I looked over the menu at Tony, holding his menu tightly in one hand and a white-knuckle hold on the knife with the other. I leaned closer to Bruce.

"Tone down on the shit-eating grin and smugness, will you?" I whispered and his grin widened. "I fear my brother will either snap or have a heart attack"

"Well, I hear Gotham's ambulances are quite fast" he said and kissed me.

"You only came to annoy my brother, didn't you? You don't care if he apologizes"

He leaned back, smiling at me and turned back to his menu.

"Incorrigible" I muttered and threw Tony an innocent smile.

I dodged a kick, and spinning around, I threw in my own. Bruce grabbed my leg before it connected to his side, and blocked my knee before it connected with the family jewels.

"That's not nice" he said amusedly.

I scowled at him and tried to punch him. He dodged my blow, and grabbed my arm, finally letting go of my leg, but twisted my arm, and wrapped an arm around me tightly, pinning my other arm at my side with my back flush against his chest. I tried to regain my breath and relaxed. He skimmed his nose up my neck, pulling my arm from behind my back, my shoulder's healed wound thankful for the mercy. I leaned back against him and sighed.

"I have to catch a flight to New York in a couple hours" I mumbled, feeling his lips against my earlobe. "I have to be there for the Expo's inauguration"

"Hm…"

I sighed as he brushed his lips down my neck, his arms tightening around me so I was pressed against him deliciously.

"Bruce" I whined. "I'll be late if we…"

"I'll let you borrow my jet if you stay a bit longer" he said rubbing against me.

"Will all our training sessions end like this?" I asked breathlessly. "You seem to like when we fight… a lot"

I rubbed against him and he groaned. He let go of my wrists, his hands falling to my hips before sliding up my sides. He reached the hem of my sports bra, and slipped his fingers underneath the fabric.

"Alfred might come in" I protested weakly.

"He knows better than to interrupt us" he chuckled against my neck.

I lifted my arms and he pulled the bra off. He cupped my breasts, gently squeezing them and I reached behind me, my hands flat against the top of his thighs. I rubbed up and down, in rhythm with the sway of our bodies as he rubbed against each other. Finally, I let my hands go higher, and cupped his erection. He groaned, thrusting against my hands, and squeezed my breasts tightly. He pulled back for a moment, only to return shirtless, his bare chest pressed against my shoulder blades and slipped his hands down my stomach. I whimpered as he slipped his hand under my mesh shorts. He bit my earlobe, cupping me sex and I rocked against his hand.

"No underwear?" he asked huskily.

"We ended our last five training sessions naked, I thought it was a waste of time" I said, rocking against his hand again.

"Hm, always so wet for me" he whispered and licked the contour of my ear making a shiver go down my spine.

I squeezed him through his pants and he grunted, suddenly slipping a finger inside me. I moaned, rocking against his hand. He slowly pumped the finger… in… out… in… out… I let out a moaned whine, the rhythm enough to bring me pleasure, but torturing slow. Always the tease. He twirled his tongue on the crook of my neck and his thumb brushed against my clit.

"Oh, god, Bruce… please" I moaned.

"Hm?" he asked innocently, his thumb brushing against my clit again.

"Fuck" I groaned rocking against his hand. "Please… Please, make me cum"

"You ask so nicely…"

He slipped another finger inside me, his thumb pressing against my clit as he pumped his fingers into me faster. His other hand played with my nipple as I rocked my body to meet the rhythm of his fingers, my muscles coiling with the impending, mind-blowing pleasure.

"Oh… Yes" I hissed, feeling close to release.

Bruce groaned softly, his fingers pinching my nipple as he grinded his erection against my ass.

"Cum for me… Cum for me, Julianne, so I can fuck you until you can't walk"

I screamed as my muscles tightened, wetness flowing down his fingers and hand. I was still riding out my orgasm when he pulled his fingers out slowly, and at the same time he pinched my nipple, he pinched my clit, his three other fingers circling my entrance. I moaned loudly as a second orgasm overshadowed the first, my body relaxing against his, completely satisfied. He trailed kisses up and down my neck and shoulder, his hand on my breast gently massaging it, soothing it. He slipped his hand out of my shorts and gently, slowly rubbed against me. I grabbed his hand and sucked on his index finger, licking his finger clean.

"Fuck" he hissed, grinding hard.

I looked over my shoulder coyly, and he pulled me to a passionate kiss, tugging my shorts down. Pressing his body against mine, he got me to bend a bit and thrust inside me. I moaned into his mouth and he bit my lower lip. I pulled back from his lips, throwing my head back against his shoulder and covering his hands with mine on my breasts. I felt full of him, intoxicated, overwhelmed. He filled me to the hilt and at this angle, pleasure quickly build up. He pulled almost all the way out before slamming back into me. I moaned, and lowered one of my hands.

"You're so fucking tight" he grunted

I reached between my legs and played with my clit as he continued to slam into me, our loud grunts and moans surely echoing around the third floor of the manor. One of his hands joined mine, our fingers entwining as we rubbed my clit.

"Oh, god, I'm coming" I yelled.

He pounded into me hard twice more and I was coming all over his cock, my walls tightening deliciously around him, and my whole body shaking. He panted against my shoulder, his thrusts long and slow as I orgasmed and when my body stopped shaking he slowed to a stop. I could still feel him hard inside me, and I thrust back against him to get him to keep going. He slipped out and turned me around. I kissed him, touching his wet erection and he pulled back with dark eyes and a smirk.

"Lay down"

I cocked a questioning brow at him, but lay down on the padded floor. He pulled my shorts down the rest of the way and off and got down on his knees between my legs. He pulled my body flushed against his, rubbing his erection against my entrance. I moaned, wrapping my legs around him. My hips were suspended from the floor at this angle and he held them tightly before entering me.

Good god, why had I never done this before?

It felt so good. At that angle, his erection easily touched my G-spot, and I could feel the curve of his cock as he thrust slowly against me.

"Touch yourself" he grunted between thrusts.

I complied, one hand at my breast and the other playing with my clit again, panting and moaning as each thrust brought him deeper within me.

"Hold on" he panted.

I tightened my legs around his hips, and he dropped one hand from my hips. He began to thrust hard eliciting screams from me. I was right on the edge of a precipice and I wanted to fall so badly. Then his hand pressed against my navel, his wrist brushing against my hand working on my clit. With his hand pressing on my navel, I could feel the pressure inside as he thrust, and I came undone.

My vision went white with colorful spots, my body tensing, and I screamed at the top of my lungs.

I was almost unconscious when I felt his body collapse on top of mine and I slowly opened my eyes. He rolled us over, so I was on top and I frowned at the excessive wetness between us. I looked up at him and he was grinning like a fool at the ceiling while his hand caressed my back.

"Did I…"

"Ejaculate? Oh, yes" he chuckled happily.

"Fuck that… felt really good" I mumbled.

"You're welcome" he laughed smugly.

"But you do know, that now that I'm happily exhausted, all we are gonna do is sleep, right?"

"Good idea" he mumbled.

I put away my cell and folded the papers to fit my red clutch. I checked my Gucci watch, and saw we were right on time.

"Your only advantage coming is that if my brother's murders you, the whole press will have evidence" I told Bruce.

I pulled my legs from his lap, and put on my black pumps and shrugged on the black and white striped blazer, flipping my hair aside. I took a deep breath and leaned back on the seat. Bruce's hand covered mine in my lap, entwining our fingers, and he pulled to his lap.

"Well, I'm just an interested businessman, checking out the expo of my new partner" he said smiling.

"Your luck is that Pepper will be managing Tony's share of the company, or our business deals would not get out of the paper" I said smiling.

"Doesn't it bother you that you're brother is protective to the point of idiocy?"

I shook my head, looking out the window as we approached the expo.

"No, he's my only family… Just like Alfred's protective of you. Except I'm a girl and younger than Tony, so… He has good intentions, but he worries too much. He's like… a dad" I mumbled.

"Your dad wasn't very present was he?" he asked quietly.

I pulled my hand back and frowned at him.

"I don't want to talk about my parents just as much as you don't want to talk about yours" I said harshly.

"It's different" he frowned.

"Why? Because your parents didn't wish to leave you, while my dad dove obsessively into work after my mom died?" I snapped. "I do not wish to talk about it, Bruce"

The car stopped and the door was opened for me. I took a deep breath and got out of the car. Bruce got out by the other side, rushing to me, as I gave the press a fake smile. He stood beside me, wrapping an arm around my waist and leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"Sorry" he said.

I relaxed a bit and leaned into him as people took pictures and asked questions.

"Just don't… don't bring it up again, alright?"

"Julie, Bruce" Pepper greeted and I stood beside her, watching Tony land on the stage and people cheering as his mechanisms took off the armor.

"Why do we have dancers?" I asked frowning at the girls behind my brother, in a skimpy Iron Man costume.

"Ironettes" she said and shrugged at the look I gave her. "Tony's idea"

"Of course" I rolled my eyes.

"Does he know you would bring Bruce?" she asked in a whisper.

"No. Bruce decided to come on the last minute, I didn't know"

"Do I need to make sure his armor isn't accessible?"

"No, I can handle him" Bruce said from behind her.

"Sorry" she said, blushing at being caught speaking of him.

I chuckled and turned back to the stage.

"It's good to be back! Missed me?" Tony asked and the crowd cheered.

"I think this is much different then what people imagine science and technology expos are… I feel like I'm on a rock concert" Pepper mumbled.

"Blow something up!" some men screamed.

"Blow something up? I already did that" Tony said with a grin and the crowd quieted down a bit as he started his speech. "I'm not saying I'm responsible for this country's longest run of uninterrupted peace in 35 years!" the crowd cheered. "I'm not saying… that from the ashes of captivity, never has a Phoenix metaphor been more personified in history!" the crowd cheered even louder and I swallowed, remembering the months with my brother missing. "I'm not saying Uncle Sam can kick back on a lawn chair, sipping on an iced tea, because I haven't come across anyone man enough to go toe to toe with me on my best day!"

Bruce scoffed as girl professed her love for Tony in the crowd. Tony motioned for everyone to quiet down a bit, and smiled.

"Please… It's not about me. It's not about you, either. It is not about us. It's about legacy, what we choose to leave behind for future generations. That's why for the next year, for the first time since 1974, the best and brightest men and women of nations and corporations of the world, pull their resources, share their achievements to leave behind a brighter future… It's not about us! Therefore, what I'm saying, if I'm saying anything, is… Welcome back to Stark Expo!" Tony paused and the screen started to change as they prepared the video. "Now, from the great beyond, my father, Howard Stark!"

People applauded as Tony left the stage and dad's image showed on the screen. After greeting Pepper, Tony hugged me and pulled back with a questioning smile. I rolled my eyes at the rare demonstration of necessary worry and protectiveness, and he glanced over my shoulder at Bruce. He gave him a nod and then walked away, talking to Pepper.

"Is it always like this?" Bruce asked as we followed.

"The fan girls and madness? Yeah" I said.

We walked out into a room full of reporters, and were bombarded with questions. Even Bruce had to answer questions about possible projects and the possibility of presenting something at the Expo. Happy tried to escort us out safely. At this point, I wasn't really worried. Standing between Bruce and Tony, I knew nothing would happen. We walked out and it was much calmer as we walked to the cars waiting for us.

"See you at home?" Tony called over his shoulder as he and Happy walked to a car.

"Yeah" I nodded as Bruce guided me to another.

"Mr. Stark?"

Although I clearly heard the 'Mr.' I still turned. A woman walked to Tony and extended a paper to him. Happy took it for Tony and I left Bruce to see what was happening.

"You have to attend court in front of the USA Armed Forces Committee" she said. "Tomorrow, 8am"

"You want us to be there tomorrow at 8am?" I asked incredulously. "Do you people hear of fair warning?"

"I was told Mr. Stark wouldn't have problems… flying over" she said with a small shrug.

"Show me the badge" Tony said.

"He likes the badge" Happy added.

I rolled my eyes with her and she showed him her badge.

"Still like the it?" she asked amusedly.

"Yeah" Tony said with a grin and put on his sunglasses, turning to leave.

"Tony…"

"Meet you at home, Julie!" he called over his shoulder getting in the car. "There's time for dinner"

I frowned at him and sighed as he sped off with Happy. He was summoned to court, in less than 12 hours, in D.C., and he thought we had time.

Why did I still stress myself with those things? I knew my brother.

I sat beside Pepper behind Tony, both of us exasperated at his serenity while the committee started, talking about Tony recent accidents with the armor. He smiled flirtingly at Pepper, ignoring her glare.

"Dinner. You and I. Tonight" he mouthed.

"No" she mouthed back.

"You know you want to" he whispered.

"Tony, can you pay attention for fuck's sake?" I hissed.

"Where is your boy toy?" he asked.

"I'm gonna slap you if you don't take this seriously, I swear" I hissed.

"Mr. Stark!" Senator Stern snapped.

"Yes, dear?" Tony said sarcastically, finally turning around to face him.

"As I was saying…" the senator said, with a tight smile. "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" Tony cut him off. "I am Iron Man. 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 are in. You can't have it"

"Oh, dear lord, he began with prostitution" I grumbled.

This could blow up very easily.

"Look, I'm not expert…"

"In prostitution? You are senator, come on" Tony said with a grin and some people chuckled as the senator turned red.

"For fuck's sake, where is Rhodey?" I asked while flipping through the law book I had gotten to see in how much danger we were in and if there were any ways to get out of this trap.

"It will be fine" Pepper mumbled reassuringly.

"It is private property, they can't do that" I grumbled. "The armor is Tony's"

"Well, he did blow a lot of public things up… It was a matter of time before someone used that as excuse to get their hands on it"

After Rhodey's deposition was turned against Tony, which not only made Rhodey furious at his superiors but sorry for mentioning the armor's potential as threat, they called in Justin Hammer to plead the case.

"Aren't they aware that the guy isn't even smart enough to create something on his own and not copy other companies' projects?" I said.

"Give me that" Tony said turning and grabbing the transparent PDA device she had in her hands.

"What…?"

He ignored as they showed video footage of Tony accidents with the armor while Hammer narrated it, speaking of the danger a personal armor could be. Suddenly the video footage was interrupted and then footage of Hammer witnessing a failed test of recreating the armor played on. Hammer desperately tried to turn the TV off, and Tony proudly claimed to have hacked it. As Stern appeared in the footage as well, the senator freaked out, and Hammer finally unplugged the screen from the energy source. But the damage was done. After a heated argument between Tony and Hammer about trying to recreate the armor, with Tony arrogantly saying it will take years before someone successfully recreates the tech, the senator decided to try smooth things over.

"I think we're done with the point he is making" the senator said. "I don't think there's any reason…"

"The point is, you're welcome, I guess" Tony interrupted.

"For what?" the senator snapped.

"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 turned around to face the senate and the cameras. "I've successfully privatized world peace!" some people applauded. "What more do you want? For now! I tried to play ball with these ass-clowns…"

"Fuck you, Mr. Stark" the senator said. "Fuck you, buddy"

Tony bowed, making the man go redder in anger and then strode out, with cameras flashing, people applauding, reporters asking for interviews…

Yes, madness followed Tony.

I dropped my bag on the foyer with a sigh and pulled my hair loose from the bun it was in, walking further into the house. I told Alexis to turn the phone off, and walked into the kitchen. Bruce was leaning against the counter, and held out a glass of red wine for me when I entered.

"I thought you had retired as Batman" I said giving him a weak smile.

"I did" he frowned at me.

"You shouldn't wait in the dark kitchen of unaware victims then" I said and gulped the wine down.

I walked to him, and grabbed the bottle from the counter. He turned, standing beside me and watched as I poured a full glass.

"I heard it went well" he said.

"Yeah, it… kinda did" I mumbled and sipped the wine.

He wrapped his arm around my waist, and pulled me to him, kissing my neck gently.

"Then why it looks like you've been through war?" he asked quietly.

"I'm just stressed out"

He tilted my head and kissed me. I set the glass down, and turned around completely, wrapping my arms around his neck. His fingers untangled from my hair after a couple minutes and he lifted me, sitting me on the counter and settling himself between my thighs.

"Bruce" I protested weakly against his lips.

"Hm?" he asked tugging at my blazer.

I pulled back, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

"If you didn't notice, I'm still wearing the clothes I wore for the Expo's inauguration. I haven't showered in 24 hours, I haven't slept, I took 4 flights, my feet are killing me and I'm just… shockingly not in the mood… sorry"

He nodded, gave me a small smile and kissed me softly.

"Come on" he said pulling on my hand.

I jumped down from the counter and kicked off my pumps, taking his hand. He took me upstairs, and I was going to protest when he led me into the bathroom and I saw a bubble bath ready.

"I thought you would like it, and Alexis told me you had just arrived in Gotham, so I had it running" he said.

I smiled at him and kissed him softly.

"Thank you, that's really… sweet" I whispered.

We undressed, stayed a long time in the warm water, with me leaning back against his body while he massaged my shoulders, and he had to carry my half-asleep self to bed.

Polyvore sets - link on my profile.

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xoxo Luuh