XXXVII.

Tony was getting antsy, after a full night of partying the thought of looking at one more blood scan was nearly enough to pitch a fit. He needed to unwind just a bit further before he could tackle the ever-ticking timer on his expiration date.

Time to bug his dear CEO.

As he entered Pepper's office she put the phone down to address him, "I'm surprised you're out and about." She noted wryly, he shrugs, picking up one of her doodads on the desk.

"Thought I'd drop in, see how you're doing."

She sighs, "I'm busy what do you expect? You placed me in a job with little to no experience, while you go off and do whatever it is you've been doing lately." He rolls the knickknack around, frowning, knowing she meant before his party when he spent weeks cooped up in his house not even to step outside for a moment. She had to send food packages because he didn't bother with minor things like grocery shopping.

"I know, I'm sorry. A small problem's popped up and it's been using up all my time." He flashes a tiny smile at her, "But I'll figure it out. I always do."

His face must've said something he didn't because she only stares and eventually nods. "Well, I'm going to New York to handle the Expo so was there anything you needed?"
Put out he only grumbles, "No, just wanted to see you." Her face warms before the door opens and Happy comes in, Rushman right next to him. "Wheels up in twenty-five, need anything else, Boss?" He spots Tony and grins, "Other boss?"

Tony waves him off, stating "Nah,"

While Pepper shakes her head, "No, thank you Happy, I'll be down momentarily."

Seeing Rushman standing demurely next to Pepper made him clear his throat, "So, are you blending in well here Natalie?" Her polite mask of a face stares coolly at him, "Your name is Natalie, isn't it?"

This time both of the women gave him unamused looks. "I thought you two, didn't get along?" Tony held back a click of his tongue when they both more or less said no, that wasn't the case. Having a spy so close to his Pep and Hap kind of annoyed him.

What was she even doing here? Did Pepper look at what little he gave her to do and scooped her up? Wasn't she meant to be his spy? And by that, he meant the one after him? What if it wasn't him she was going after? He needed to tie up this loose end before he, that is... Not that he was going to. Hah, he'll terminate this train of thought now.

"Actually while you're here maybe you and Natalie can discuss the matter of the personal belongings," Pepper says as she looks between the two of them blue eyes shining despite looking worn.

Rushman nods immediately, agreeing, "Absolutely."

Kiss up Tony wanted to say. As they went to leave he spoke up, "Be safe kiddies, don't do anything I wouldn't do." He gave those words some thought, "Or you know do everything I wouldn't!"

Pepper's exasperated, "Goodbye Tony," made him beam. Tossing the knickknack into the air before turning his attention to Rushman.

"You just won't grow up will you?" She says deadpan while shuffling papers around. Why was her polite veneer cracked now of all times? Was she ticked off about something? He didn't need to take this from a spy.

"And you are all there are you?" He waves his hand over his face. "It's like no ones home. Is there anything real about you?" Her name and personality certainly weren't.

Why are you antagonizing the assassin?

Bruce asks, but Tony can hear the humor. Humoring Bruce is a hobby he's picked up.

"I bet you don't even speak Latin." Being a dead language and all, not to mention apart of her phony resume. He might've struck a nerve as she more or less sneers at him in Latin. At least, Tony assumed it was Latin. It could be gibberish for all he knew.

Alright. That's enough, move aside.

Tony blinked and gave control almost without thought.

Sure, by all means.

It wasn't everyday Bruce wanted to take over. Not unless Tony pissed her off so much she was going to kill him and Bruce wanted to put a stop to it.