…..\\--+--/…..

It's Just Business

…..\\--+--/…..

"Mr. Stark."

A large door from the hall opened with force as the commanding man stepped out onto the scene. His black leather jacket moved fluidly with his steps, eye trained on the metallic-suited man in the corridor. However, nothing about his expression read that he was angry, or in any other way phased by the intrusion.

"Fury…"

The Director was quick to interrupt Stark's assault, "I'm surprised you are still wasting your time around here."

"What do you think I was doing back there in the desert? Having a nice game of Backgammon?" Tony's posture was as accusing as his tone. "You knew I wasn't going to find those soldiers."

Heads started to turn away, and Tania was given a nod from her boss. She risked a final glance at Stark but he was far too focused to pay mind. Fury motioned for him to follow and there was a definitive sound of closure as the suit's mask fell back into place. Not to be intimidated by the angry features and glowing eyes, the Colonel turned away and continued back through the doors. The clink of machine followed.

"Do you think, Mr. Stark, that your status as 'genius' on the records is going to get you in our ranks that easily?"

A few faces turned as they passed employees in the corridor, but there was little concern over this unique man that graced the pages of nearly every newspaper, print or otherwise. Tony observed the surroundings and Jarvis continued with the scans and other trivial recordings. Nothing about the headquarters seemed strange, if anything it appeared like a standard corporate office like the many he had stepped foot in before. However, none of those could ever claim to be located several thousand feet above the ground.

"What I want from anyone in my potential team is reliability, expertise, and respect."

"I didn't come for lectures…" Tony started, but Fury was far from done.

The doors to Fury's personal office had hardly closed behind them when the Director turned, "You've lived a lifestyle of having anything your way, at any given moment, with a drink in your hand."

The mask fell away again to reveal Tony's face, eyes dark from the bluntness.

"These people," Fury pointed to the closed doorway. "…down to the very last secretary and messenger-boy, devote their lives for the innocent and would gladly give them up for the same cause." Fury gave pause with a bitter smirk. "But you, Mr. Stark, boy extraordinaire, could hardly manage a brief meeting with one of my personnel and you expect me to blindly trust that the Iron Man in your hands is a good idea?"

It was true. Tony swallowed at the reminder, but refused to look away. The words caught in his throat, refusing to make an appearance.

He could have argued, but how would it have sounded? He 'saw the light' and now was a converted soul living in the corporate world? Not a metal to his name and good words were few and far between on his record. If he were in Fury's place he would have reacted exactly the same. He would have seen nothing beyond a crackpot with a very dangerous threat in his grasp.

Fury dropped his voice, "We may want your assistance, but I want to make it clear in this moment that we do not need some arrogant, hot-headed, rich-boy in a suit to make our department worthwhile."

The judgmental outlook left an aftertaste that Tony wished would go away.

"You say you want respect. I think I've been damn respectful given the circumstances. But that sort of relationship has to work both ways and frankly, I'm feeling like you couldn't care less who I am except to throw insults."

"Because I don't. I'm giving you a chance, but I will not bend a knee," Fury stated calmly. A tilt of the head, "It's not my style."

Tony could resist a smirk at Fury's serious manner and how it was complimented with a quirked eyebrow, "Well here's an introduction to Tony Stark: it's not mine either."

"That could cause problems, I imagine."

"I'd say so. So I strongly suggest you stop with the CIA antics and I'll see about playing nice. Working under contract is one thing, but I have to tell you it's no mystery that I have a problem with authority. I prefer to keep my own sense of control and no matter what branch of government it is, they rarely offer up that feature."

Fury gave a smile then, his expression filled with secrets, "Is that really what you think we are, Mr. Stark? Government?"

Tony quieted, observing the other man who had turned away. Fury moved to the desk further in the room, papers resting in plain sight. He seemed to be looking for something, picking up one and glancing over the contents.

"As far as the matters at hand," Fury started without turning around. "I already have some of our division on our way to your home."

There was no mistaking the change and panic in Stark's words, "What happened?"

…..\\--+--/…..

The stranger was awake and pushed up against the flat vacancy of the closest wall. Pepper saw no reason to get closer.

He wasn't the type of face that stood out, with an average nose, perhaps his eyes were a little too dull to hold much attention. Still, she held them firmly as she posed the questions, "I'm going to ask you again: who are you?"

He didn't smile this time, or pull a snide remark, or a sound of any sort. Pepper had laid the gun aside but it wasn't far enough that either would question its presence.

"Fury is sending a team in," she continued.

It was much easier to remain calm, collected, as the hostage sat completely bound. Perhaps he might have tried to struggle to something sharp, or look for some other means to get his freedom back and get word to his employers. However, at the mention of Fury's name there was distinct recognition in his expression and what could almost be taken for fear.

Pepper smiled, "Good, I'm glad I don't have to explain the importance of that to you."

The man shook his head, "Hey, look, I wasn't supposed to be getting involved in that crew…"

"That crew is keeping a close eye on Mr. Stark and everything involving Stark Industries," she informed confidently.

He was a hired hand. His mannerisms, voice…Pepper couldn't even think of a single general employee for Stark Industries that when seen side-by-side didn't hold higher social standards. Still, he wouldn't have been there without some sort of skill.

And Ms. Potts? She had been hired because she was a professional.

Pepper sat tall in her chair, legs together with ankles crossed and hands folded in her lap, "Do you really think that whatever second-rate corporation has taken you under their wing really will stand a chance?"

She paused, and he considered the statement.

"Who do you work for?" the assistant pushed again.

"You know I ain't supposed to talk about that," he answered quickly, but there was a quiver in his voice.

"I'm sure that S.H.I.E.L.D. is going to be lenient with that response," she responded with a sarcastic lip. Pepper tilted her chin down with a faint smile of sincerity, "And I'm certain they won't offer you the payment I can provide for your cooperation."

The man's head tilted with skepticism, but there was distinct greed behind those eyes.

He opened his mouth then, and started to tell her what she wanted to know, pausing to up the price here and there, but there was always a price.

You had better be listening, Fury. Pepper tried to hide her smile, and several times almost failed.

…..\\--+--/…..

A.N.- Bit of a delay, but more should be coming very very soon!

…..\\--+--/…..