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Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 - Red Carpet Time

Tony stood in his bedroom getting ready for the party. He had put on his suit and was tying his tie. Genie walked to his bedroom door and looked in. "Uncle Tony?"

Tony looked back at her. "Yep! Come in, Gene."

Genie walked over to him. She stood in front of him and took over tying his tie. "It always looks better…..like this."

She smiled at him.

He looked back at the mirror. "Thanks, Gene. Habit?"

Genie giggled and walked over to sit down on the sofa. "When you grow up with Quauthin everywhere, you know about eight different ways to tie a tie."

Tony grinned and sat down next to her. "I guess so."

She took a deep breath. "Samuel and Arles are looking at the TARDIS. It looks like it's repairing itself."

"I can go look at it."

She shook her head. "She won't let anyone in. It's just on the outside that they are able to see. Maybe she will repair herself and we will be able to get back home." She sighed, "I can't even believe this."

He propped his head up on his fist and looked at her. "Gene. What is going on with John?"

"What do you mean?"

He pointed at her. "Don't think you can pull the wool over my eyes. John is the most understanding person I've ever met. You kids are either complete hell raisers, were told not to mess with that machine, or something else is going on."

She nodded her head. "This is the reason I have always came to speak to you about stuff. I know I can tell you anything, and you will keep it to yourself."

He smiled, "Everyone needs someone like that. Gene?"

"Yes?"

"You haven't answered my question. Why are you so frightened to tell John?"

She sighed. "I really can't tell you. Sam believes it will create a fixed point and I would do anything to keep that from happening."

"Something happened?"

She covered her face. "Please, don't ask me anything. You know I'll have to answer truthfully. Damn, that Rixalarian heritage of mine."

He smiled at her. "When did you find out?"

"Daddy told me when I was a little girl. He took me to Jalikapo. I saw all of the beautiful people there and I had already felt….like something was…..I can't explain it. I talked to him about it, and he explained it all. Well, most of it. Mum explained the rest when I was older. How my Mum never knew it was him. It's so strange. So odd."

Tony shook his head. "Just because it's not what you would have thought, doesn't make it strange. It doesn't make it wrong. This is just your version of normal."

She smiled and looked down at her hands, "You tell me that all the time. So, determined to show me that I'm normal. I know I am, Tony."

He smiled at her proudly.

She looked back at him. "We're on our own. Tell me….does anyone know about you and Pepper, yet?"

He cleared his throat. "She has told Brianca."

Genie laughed, "And you needed subtitles when she spoke to you. I remember Brianca. Samuel can do a near perfect impression of her. It makes Pepper mental."

Tony laughed.

"I wasn't completely sure. I remember you told me once that the two of you had kept it a secret for a while. It helped her to become more used to the life she had came into."

Tony nodded. "So, she'll let me announce it-"

She pointed at him, "I didn't say that. But….oh, don't ask me a lot about this."

Tony smiled. "Right."

"So, who knows in this moment?"

"Me, her and Brianca."

"Daddy doesn't know?"

He shook his head. "No. But, Lartius knows."

"Well, of course he would. But, not Soli? He's your One. Well….he's….only."

"Eight? We think? He hasn't been here long."

She smiled, "I remember him saving me from those Arions. I remember thinking, how brave he must be to have lived with them for so long. Gosh, he's always been the bravest one of us. If he was here, he would have demanded we go to Daddy and tell him. I don't know. He's just..."

"What?"

"A Quauthin. He has always been. Legate tells me that you are a product of your environment. He finds me brave, growing up surrounded by threats and bodyguards."

"And what do you think?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I always had someone to help. Legate has always been there. You. Mum. Dad. Just everyone. I barely remember my other Mum. But, I remember that I never had such a large family as I do now. Like I did then."

Tony smiled.

Pepper walked into the room. "And I just need to put on my dress. Then I'll be ready."

Genie stood up. "I'll go check on the boys. Make sure they haven't gotten into anything they shouldn't."

Pepper laughed. "That Samuel is just like John. Oh my gosh. He's reprogramming the television downstairs to pick up a game out in space someplace."

Tony groaned. "Damn it. I'm leaving you in charge, Gene."

She smiled. "Don't worry about anything. I've already told Jarvis to lock out the shop. I'm not even letting those idiots down there."

Genie closed the door as she walked out of it.

Pepper looked back at him. "What were you two talking about?"

"Something bad has happened." Tony told her as he rubbed his chin.

"How do you know?"

"Things she said. Something really bad has happened."

"To who?"

"I'm not sure. And she won't tell me. That's another thing. She told me that she could tell me anything."

Pepper walked over to him and smiled.

He looked up at her, "Isn't that something? Gene trusts me that much."

She leaned down and kissed him. "See, there's hope. Apparently, you grow up in the future, too."

He grinned, "Raising two boys, huh?"

Pepper laughed and walked into her closet.

Genie walked down the steps of Tony's New York flat. The teenage Tony Tyler sat on the sofa with Soli. Samuel was busy behind the television, working with the wires there.

"Where is Arles?" She asked.

Soli explained, "He went upstairs for a nap. He said he was exhausted."

Samuel didn't look away from the wires. "That's our guy. He sleeps about ten hours a day, or he gets cranky."

Soli laughed. "We're going to a party tonight. It's John's birthday party. Are you lot coming, too?"

Genie sat down. "No. We're going to stay here."

Tony Tyler sighed.

Samuel looked away from the television to look at him. "Tony?"

Tony shook his head. "I'm alright. I think I'll make a cup of tea. Anyone else want one?"

Genie nodded, "I would love one. Thanks, Tony."

Tony tossed Soli's hair as he stood up. "Come and help."

Soli jumped off of the sofa and joined Tony as he walked into the kitchen.

Samuel looked back at Genie. "Are you alright?"

She crossed her legs and propped her head up on her fist. "I'm a bit…homesick, Sam. A bit sad. Mum and Dad don't need this right now. They are going to be worried sick."

He stood up and sat down next to her. He took his hand in hers and she immediately felt better.

She looked back at him and smiled. "Thank you, Sammy. That helps."

He kissed the side of her forehead. "I can't help but think about this party."

"You need to forget about it. We can't go to that."

"Soli has seen us! He'll tell Dad and Papa!"

She shook her head. "He won't. He doesn't realize it is actually us."

Samuel sighed. "Well, I have been thinking about this. You know, Dad is going to be extremely happy after this party tonight."

She looked back at him. "What are you saying?"

He pointed at her. "Well, maybe we should go to see him."

She shook her head. "When did your mind change? You were the one that was so quick to tell us all that it wasn't a good idea! Can you tell if this is a fixed point?"

"This, us coming back here, is. But, what happened at home, isn't."

Genie covered her mouth and willed herself not to cry. "That's what I keep thinking. Could we tell Dad and Papa? Keep it from happening? Save them?"

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I don't know. I don't understand enough about it. Dad would know. "

"But, you can't ask him without telling him why."

Samuel nodded his head. "Maybe I could. I'm rather clever."

She groaned. "Sam. That just isn't a good idea at all."

"I just need to think about this some more. I'll work this out. I always do."

Genie sighed and rubbed her face. She was certain that if her brother wasn't sitting there with her, she would already have started crying. He could feel her sadness, too.

"You are so tired. Everything will be alright, Genie. I'll get you back there."

"I probably just need to get some sleep. Try not to think about this."

Sam nodded his head. "You know, Legate is here."

She smiled and looked back at Sam. "He's not my Legate."

"Did you tell Uncle Tony about you and him?"

She shook her head. "No. I started to talk about him and realized I needed to stop. I don't want him to know."

"At some point, you will have to tell Mum and Dad about you and Legate."

She sighed. "Not for a bit. We've agreed to keep it to ourselves."

"So, I'm the only one who knows?"

She smiled, "Sammy. I have always told you everything. Why would I stop now?"

Samuel smiled at his sister. "You know, I think Dad will be very happy about you two."

She sighed, "Well, that's a possibility. "

"Well, it's oblivious who has always been Dad and Papa's favorite." Samuel teased.

She looked back at him and smiled.

They said together, "Arles!"

They both laughed. Samuel kissed the side of her head again. "Go on and get some sleep. I can feel your exhaustion. Are you sure you're not hurt?"

She rubbed her chest. "It's just homesickness."

"You're sure?"

"It's so odd. My arms ache because I know I can't…hold him. He's not here."

"We'll get back there soon, Genie. I promise."

Soli walked over to them and handed Genie her cup of tea. "And Mr. Tony says that's how you like it."

She smiled and took the cup. "Thank you, Soli."

Soli ran back to the kitchen.

Genie looked at Sam and whispered, "It's so odd seeing him like this."

Samuel turned his head and watched the little boy run back into the kitchen. "Yeah. It's like, a piece of the guy we know."

She rolled her eyes. "A piece. Sammy."

"He's so skinny. Was he that skinny?"

"Apparently, so." She told him as she sipped her tea.

He rose his eyebrows in surprise. "He could break my back just by thinking about it, now. Amazing how much a person can change."

"Phhh….as if Soler would ever hurt any of us."

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18 years in the future…

Jack and Lance appeared standing in the same spot of the island home where they had disappeared. Lance felt as if he was going to be sick. He doubled over and groaned. "Oh, that's awful."

Jack laughed and bounced on his feet. "Ah, you get used to it."

Lance rubbed his face and stood back up. "Why would you want to?"

Jack pat his shoulder. "Come on. Let's find them."

They walked together into the large sitting room. Jack looked around, "Anyone home?"

The Doctor, leaned back on a bar stool that he sat on at the bar of the kitchen. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a jumper, sipping a cup of coffee. It was night outside. Seeing it was them, he nodded, "Oh, hey Jack. Arles, you just missed Samuel."

Lance and Jack walked into the room. The Doctor smiled when he realized it was Lance. "Oh, sorry Lance. I thought you were Arles. You two look alike in the dark. Did you get a haircut?"

Lance ran his hand through his short hair.

Jack smiled. "How are things here, Doc'?"

The Doctor sighed. "Well, Rose is finally resting. She asked me to push her into deep sleep. She's not slept since it happened. Samuel offered to take Tony Tyler to the school to get his mind off of it."

Sensing something was wrong, Lance crossed is arms. "How long has it been?"

The Doctor sat down his coffee and rubbed both of his hands together. "I know. It's a blur to me, too."

Lance looked back at Jack.

Lewis walked into the kitchen. He was looking down at a file and didn't notice that Jack and Lance were standing there. "And the report is in. No surprises." He dropped it on the bar in front of the Doctor. Then he looked up. "Oh. Hey, guys. Lance. I dropped that book off at your place. Tell Jane thank you for letting me borrow it. Spanish is a strange language, but I think I have it now."

Lance shook his head. "Um…"

Legate walked into the room. "And everything is secure at the Tyler Mansion. It was a false alarm." He had a tan and his hair was longer than Lance remembered seeing it in a while. He was wearing a suit and had apparently just popped back.

He pat Lance on the back. "Hey, Lance. Jack. Coffee? Tea?"

Lance grinned, "Maybe something a bit stronger?"

Lewis nodded his head. "I'll go for that. Legate?"

Legate shook his head. "Nah. I have….someplace to be tonight."

The Doctor smiled at him, "Oh no. Legate has a date?"

Legate shook his head. "I didn't say I had a date. No."

The Doctor sipped his coffee, "You're a young man, Legate. You need to have a date."

Legate crossed his arms and sighed. "Right."

"You haven't had a date in a long time, Legate." Lewis began.

Legate shook his head, "Let's….not do this right now. We don't have to talk about me."

The Doctor chuckled and pointed at Lance. "And that sounds just like you, Lance. We'll probably find another tattoo on Legate in a few days."

Legate groaned.

Lance sat down at the bar. "John. Lewis. I need to have a quick word with you, both."

Legate's eyes got huge.

Lance noticed, "This isn't about you, Legate."

Legate shrugged his shoulders. "Of course. I'm good at the moment."

Lewis looked back at Legate and smiled. "Right."

Lance closed his eyes. "This is….rather difficult for me to explain. Genie, Arles, Tony and Samuel showed up at Jane's flat a few hours ago."

The Doctor looked confused. "Jane's flat? You mean her studio?"

Lance nodded. "Yes. They are all fine, but extremely frightened that you're going to be cross at him."

The Doctor looked back at Lewis. "What have they done now?"

Lewis sipped his coffee and shook his head. "I hesitate to guess."

Lance continued. "They have taken your…..they called it something odd-"

Jack continued, "They stole the TARDIS and crashed it."

The Doctor shook his head. "The TARDIS isn't ready to travel in time yet."

Lance crossed his arms. "Jack brought me here. They are 18 years in the past. The night of your big birthday party."

Lewis closed his eyes and groaned. "Damn it. Who do you want to bet started this one?"

The Doctor groaned and rubbed his face. "Oh, this is bad. Damn it. The TARDIS wasn't flight ready. Why did they go back there?"

"I don't know. But-"

Legate looked concerned. "But, they are all alright?"

Lance nodded, "They are fine. Genie explained that it has been damaged. I've taken them to Stark's and he's taking care of them."

Lewis sighed, "But, they won't talk to us about it yet?"

"They seem to feel frightened about it."

The Doctor groaned and rubbed his face. "Damn it. I shouldn't have said what I did to Sam. This is my fault. I've not slept since Pete and Jackie were killed. I can't even think straight."

Jack looked shocked. "What?"

Lewis nodded. "Yeah. I would have thought you would have known-"

"It doesn't happen that way. Pete and Jackie live a long ass time. They were not killed."

The Doctor pointed at the file. "There's what happened. The official Torchwood report. Take it, and give it to me. Actually. Just a bit." He grabbed a pen that sat next to him on the bar. He wrote something inside of the file and closed it. "Give that to Samuel, first. He'll take it to me."

Jack grabbed the file and handed it to Lance. "That won't create a fixed point?"

The Doctor shook his head. "No. I imagine the reason the children have ended up back 18 years ago, has to do with Rose. She's made sure they have arrived at that point."

Lance nodded, "So, what shall we do?"

"Well, get that file to me and Lewis. We might be able to stop this from happening. Also, don't let Pete or Jackie see it. That will create-"

Jack nodded, "A fixed point."

"A big problem. My wife can change fixed points if she deems it so. And it appears that's what she's doing." The Doctor explained.

Lance nodded his head. "Well, I'm with Rose on this one."

The Doctor agreed, "As am I. I'm not ready to let them go. Go fix this, Lance."

Lance tapped the file in his palm. "I'll do my best. Now, the children?"

The Doctor sat back and crossed his arms. "Well. Lewis?"

"Can you use one of the other ones and go back to get them?"

"Nah. They aren't anywhere ready for that. The one they have was the most mature, and it shouldn't have even made that big of a jump."

Lewis pointed at Jack. "Can you bring them home with your Vortex thing?"

The Doctor shook his head. "No! Rose wouldn't allow that. It's so unpredictable. I don't want to lose the children for even longer. Plus, I want my damn TARDIS back. Oh, that Sam." His face slowly spread into a smile, "He's just like me."

Legate asked, "Well, who can repair it?"

The Doctor rubbed his face. "I can fix it. Well, me, Stark, Lance. Jack. I'm sure you guys can sort it out. She's going to have to repair herself before she'll let anyone inside. Genie will have to talk to her. She's always liked her better than any of us."

Legate sighed, "So, Genie has to stay. John, I'm not comfortable with this."

Lewis shook his head. "Why not?"

"Ummm. Well. She's out of her own time. She's only what? Seven-"

Lance shook his head. "No six."

"Six!" Legate insisted.

The Doctor smiled. "There are two Genie's there. One is our Genie, and one is the child, Genie."

Lewis added, "And this is Genie we're talking about. She's not a helpless woman. In fact, I don't know a Quauthin that she hasn't beat in sparring."

The Doctor smiled proudly, "You, too?"

"Oh yes. I couldn't be prouder of her. Wow." Lewis smiled.

Legate crossed his arms. "I would like to go back with her. Make sure she remains safe."

Lewis looked surprised. "She's with the guys. We had Quauthin then-"

"We were always spread so thin. You remember that. It was always so dangerous. Her being there, presents a new target. Three, if we count the guys. Besides. I helped put some of those TARDIS systems together with you, John. I can help the other John."

The Doctor looked back at Lewis. "Well?"

Lewis sat down his coffee. "On one condition, Legate."

"Name it."

"Sammy is there. Get him to go talk to me and John, and sort out my damn leg."

Legate clapped his hands. "Done! Come on, Lance. Jack."

The Doctor called after them. "And tell my Sara Gene that her school is missing their headmistress, but I'll keep an eye on everything while she's gone. And tell my boys that I'm 'conditionally cross.' As long as they can get themselves and my TARDIS back in one piece, they are not in trouble."

Legate laughed and pointed at the Doctor. "Got it."

Lewis laughed. "Tell Arles to have a long sleep, and then get his butt to work. I expect him back in a few days."

Legate smiled, "Yes, sir."

He held onto Jack's shoulder and Lance held onto the other one as they popped away.

The Doctor sighed. "And what the hell was that about?"

"What? With Legate? I have no idea." Lewis shook his head.

"I admire his….enthusiasm. But, am I missing something?"

Lewis shook his head. "What do you think you are missing?"

"Well…." He rose his eyebrow.

"What? Just say it John." Lewis insisted.

"Okay, you're going to think I'm mad-"

"Hell, I already do."

"But, Poltious and Maria…."

Lewis thought. "Legate and Genie? Really?"

"Am I losing my mind? He's always at that school with her. Or, just….someplace where he won't say."

"He's helping train those children. That's my understanding. Plus, she's been his Primary for how long?"

The Doctor sighed. "Well….where was he off to tonight?"

"Well. There are worse people for Genie to fall in love with."

He shook his head. "Nah. She would have told me. I asked her if she was dating anyone."

"I was there. You asked her if she was dating anyone in New York. Those were your words."

"So, Legate?"

Lewis thought as he sipped his coffee. "Legate and Genie. Nah. I just don't see it."

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18 years before, The Doctor stood in front of the football goal inside of the indoor pitch. Young Tony Tyler stood next to him, and kicked the football into the goal as hard as he could. Samuel crawled on the pitch, babbling like mad. The baby had the Doctor distracted, so Tony scored easily.

Tony put his hands on his hips, "John! That's the fourth time!"

"I'm sorry. He was saying….nevermind." He tossed the ball back out to Tony.

Rose walked into the room. "You're not even close to being ready!"

He blocked the ball and tossed it back to Tony. "Oh Rose. Do we have to go to this damn thing?"

Rose walked onto the pitch. "Tony. Go upstairs and put on your suit."

"Awww…Rose. Do we have to go to this damn thing?" Tony Tyler asked.

The Doctor laughed under his breath and quickly cleared his throat. "Don't swear. I'll help you with your tie when I get up there. Shoo."

Tony groaned, ran off of the pitch, and out of the room. Rose turned to the Doctor and put her hands on her hips. "And you need a shower."

He looked at himself. He had worked up a sweat playing with Tony. Samuel crawled up to him and he picked him up. "I'm not that bad-"

"Bad enough. Ugh. We're just going to be late. That's what's going to happen." Rose complained.

He kissed Samuel's face. "Jack and Lance are going to be late, too. They don't think I can tell, but they popped off someplace."

She looked confused, "What do you mean? With the Vortex Manipulator? "

"I can feel it. Plus, Lance is missing from the check-in. There are several disturbances in time right now. It's like they are all converging on this point."

Rose rubbed her face. "Okay. Well. We can worry about that later. You have a party to get to-"

"But, why would they go forward in time? Lance would have told me if something was up."

She pointed at him. "Let's worry about this later. Party. Shower. Please!?"

He started to carry Samuel off of the pitch. Rose walked behind him with her fingers on his back. "That's it. Upstairs to the shower with you."

He groaned as they walked out of the room together.

Legate, wearing a nice suit, met them in the hallway. He was standing upright and threw his hands out. "What is this? You're going to be late, man."

The Doctor groaned. "I'm headed to the shower now. Lance back yet?"

"Lance? I have no idea. I haven't seen him."

Rose smiled at Legate. "Legs alright?"

Legate smiled, "Just a bit sore. I'm alright for a while. I'm going to have a dance or two!"

"Not too much." The Doctor warned him. "Give those muscles around that bone a few more days."

Rose put her fingertips to the Doctor's back to push him forward again. "We'll be there as soon as we can."

Rose took Samuel from the Doctor's arms as they arrived in their bedroom. "You. Shower. And I'll sort this guy out."

"What? He's coming, too?"

"Yes."

"Really? To Howie's par-"

"Go! Shower!"

He put his hands on his hips. "Do I know everything about this-"

"Everything you need to know." She said as she lay Samuel down on the bed and started to change him.

He held his hand out to her. She was still wearing her jeans and a t-shirt. "Is what you're wear-"

"John!" She looked back at him.

It made him laugh, "I'll never get used to you calling me that."

She groaned, "Please go shower." She returned to changing Samuel.

He walked over to her. "You know, this has absolutely been the perfect day. Except for one thing."

She rolled her eyes and looked back at him. "And I know what you are on about."

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips quickly. "We could stay home. Make it the perfect-"

He quickly dove across the bed and caught Samuel by the leg just inches before he had hit the floor. He had rolled over the side and fell. The Doctor pulled him back onto his chest and exhaled in relief. "Rose. I'm too old for this."

Samuel laughed as sat on his Dad's chest and clapped his hands. Rose picked up the baby and laughed. "We'll end it perfect."

The Doctor teased her as he lay on the bed. "We're already late." He could feel her annoyance. It made him laugh.

"I can tell you are enjoying this."

"Rose, no one will notice if we're not there."

She pointed at him, "Stop. Go shower and get ready. I still have to put on my dress. Ugh."

"Why do we have to go?" He complained.

She looked at the ceiling and groaned. "Oh, gosh. Please. Just…do this for me?"

"You're evoking Wife's Privilege?"

"If it gets your ass in that shower and ready, I am!" Rose insisted.

He groaned. "Fine. But, we're not staying long. Tony isn't even going. He made me realize how shit this sort of thing is. People wanting interviews. Humping your leg. 'Oh look, it's Doctor Smith and Rose'-" He complained all the way to the bathroom.

Rose looked back at Sam. "Your father tries my patience."

Sam opened his mouth and put it on her cheek.

She laughed, "Thank you, Samuel. Mummy loves you, too."

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Jane stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom. She slipped on her dress for the party. It was an elegant, sleeveless brown dress. The bust was made of a super soft satin with a lace overlay. The flowy chiffon, floor length skirt elegantly moved with her. She looked at herself, pulled up her hair and sighed.

"Do you think I should wear my hair up?" She asked her friend who had came over to help her with her make-up, Nicole.

Nicole closed her make-up case. She looked back at Jane, "Wow. That dress is amazing."

Jane moved in front of the mirror to make the skirt flow. She smiled, "I love this skirt."

"Who is this guy?" Nicole asked.

"Just, some guy. You don't know him."

"You've managed to disappear for a week since you have met him." Nicole complained. "You're not even going to tell me his name?"

Jane grinned back at her friend. "Nope. Not ready for that yet."

Nicole sat on the bed and sighed. "Must be some posh guy."

Jane laughed, "He's not posh."

"This dress! How much did it cost?"

Jane turned around and rolled her eyes. "Not as much as you would think." She turned back to the mirror. "I think I'll wear my hair down. Thoughts?"

Nicole sighed, "Either way is beautiful. Jane, you look amazing. Where are your shoes?"

Jane closed her eyes and moaned. "Damn it."

"You forgot to buy the shoes."

Jane put her hands on her hips. "I always forget to buy the shoes. Damn it. What the hell am I going to do?"

"Is he coming to pick you up?"

Jane nodded. "Yes. He said he would text first, but-"

Someone knocked at the door. Jane smiled, "And that's probably him!"

Nicole smiled at her friend's excitement. "I'm so happy to see you like this. You have been sad for so long."

Jane waved her hand. "Go let him in, and I'll find some shoes."

Nicole walked into the sitting room and opened the door. To her complete surprise, Tony Stark stood there with a bodyguard. He was wearing a nice, three piece suit and a pair of sunglasses. Her mouth gapped open. "Are you….?"

Tony rolled his neck back. "I know who I am. Who are you?"

She looked shocked, "Nicole. I'm Jane's friend."

Tony looked back at his bodyguard and they both walked inside of the flat. "Jane!" Tony called. "Are you ready to go?"

Jane walked into the room with a surprised look on her face. She was carrying a pair of white trainers. "Tony?"

Tony took off his sunglasses and looked Jane up and down. "Wow. Damn. Where did you get that dress?"

Jane smiled. "The internet. You look nice, Tony."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Umm, yeah, I know."

Jane looked at the bodyguard with Tony, who had just closed the door. "Who's that?"

Tony looked back and pointed, "Exton."

Exton smiled. "It's nice to meet you."

Jane smiled, "And you."

Nicole had been quiet long enough. "Jane? You're dating Tony Stark?"

"No!" Jane rolled her eyes.

Tony looked back at Nicole. "She's dating a friend of mine."

Jane sat down and slipped on her trainers.

"You're wearing trainers?" Nicole asked.

Jane sighed, "Well-"

Tony shook his head. "What's wrong with that? Rose does that all of the time."

"Why are you here, Tony?" Jane asked.

Tony crossed his arms. "Lance has been delayed. I didn't want you to wait on him, so I decided to come and pick you up myself. I expect at least a dance for my trouble."

Jane smiled, "You can say please."

Tony grinned, "Pretty please."

Nicole was still in shock. "You said this wasn't a posh guy-"

Tony pointed at himself. "I'm not posh. Am I?"

Jane stood up and giggled, "Yes, you are."

He shook his head. "Oh. Something to work on then."

"Lance is delayed?" Jane asked. "Is he alright?"

Exton nodded. "He is fine. Tony, he just arrived back in New York."

Tony clapped his hands together. "Great! Just in time! We need to go. Red carpet time!"

Nicole smiled. "Wow. Jane, have a great time."

Jane smiled and kissed Nicole on the cheek. "Thank you for the help."

Tony stood in front of Jane and looked surprised. "No kiss for me?"

She rose her eyebrow at him. "Lance would break your arm."

He laughed and put back on his sunglasses. "And we're off!"

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